Although the most common among sexually active men between the ages of 18 and 35 and often caused by one of the bacterial infections, such as: chlamydia, gonorrhea or non-gonococcal urethritis, epididymitis can also affect older men. However, when this is the case, it is often caused by a viral infection, and even more so by a bacterial infection.
What is epididymitis?
When epididymis is a single, narrow, tightly folded tube that can be found behind the testicles and is part of the male reproductive process that holds the male sperm infected with either a bacterium or a virus, the name given to the condition is epididymitis. Epididyms can grow to a length of about 7 meters and consist of a head, body, and tail.
And although this condition is usually not considered life-threatening, if left untreated, it can become uncomfortable for the sufferer, as any person who has experienced it knows.
Symptoms - may include: low grade fever, chills, severe sensation in the testicle that becomes sensitive to pressure, sputum or tumors, discharge from the tip of the penis (urethra), dull pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, pelvis or groin area, and pain during intercourse (especially during ejaculation).
The diagnosis is usually includes: a physical examination that can detect a small piece (mass) on the affected side of the scrotum (usually on the left side and less often on the right), tenderness in the area where the epididymis is attached to the testicle, enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area and noticeable ejection coming from the tip of the penis. This may be followed by:
1. Rectal examination, which often shows that the prostate is either swollen or tender.
2 Blood test ([CBC] complete blood count).
3 A Doppler ultrasound test that uses reflected sound waves to evaluate blood as it flows through vessels.
4. Testing Scan ([nuclear medicine scan] after radioactive tracer [radionuclide or radioisotope] was introduced into the body, a special camera [gamma] shoots pictures that can show the activity and function of the tissues found around the testicles and the testicles themselves).
5. Urine tests ([urinalysis] initial and middle stream).
6 STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) tests for both chlamydia and gonorrhea.
These tests will also distinguish between epididymitis and testicular torsion, which is another condition that usually requires surgical treatment.
Stages - If epididymitis is present for more than 6 weeks, it is usually classified as acute (chronic epididymitis).
Treatment - what counts for epididymitis caused by a bacterial infection is usually a course of an antibiotic, such as: Ceftriaxone 250 mg IM, taken in a single dose and usually taken with doxycycline 100 mg, taken orally twice a day for 10 days.
However, when epididymitis is caused by a viral infection, Levofloxacin 500 mg is usually administered orally once a day for 10 days or Ofloxacin 300 mg taken orally twice a day for the same period of time.
Sometimes acute epididymitis can be difficult to treat, in which case alternative medicines such as homeopathy treatment might be a good option.
These procedures may include: Atropa Belladonna 200C and Pulsatilla Nigricans 30C, taken together (three tablets, 3 times a day) for a period of up to 6 months.
As a final result, surgical removal of the epididymis may be suggested; however, this is usually only after previous procedures have shown little or no success. When the epididymis is removed, the man can no longer bear children.
