- Main symptoms
- Who is most at risk of having epididymitis
- How to confirm the diagnosis
- How the treatment is done
Epididymitis is the inflammation of the epididymis, a small duct that connects the vas deferens to the testis, and where sperm matures and stores.
This inflammation usually causes symptoms such as swelling of the scrotum and pain, especially when walking or moving around. Epididymitis can happen at any age, but it is more common between 14 and 35 years of age, due to infection by bacteria or a sexually transmitted disease.
When caused by an infection, epididymitis is usually acute and, therefore, symptoms last between 1 to 6 weeks, improving like antibiotic treatment. However, when the inflammation is caused by other factors, it can be more difficult to treat and last for more than 6 weeks, being considered chronic.
Main symptoms
The most common symptoms of epididymitis include:
- Constant low fever and chills; Severe pain in the scrotal or pelvic region; Feeling of pressure in the testicles; Swelling of the scrotum; Inflamed groin in the groin; Pain during intimate contact or when urinating; Presence of blood in the semen.
These symptoms can start to get milder and worsen over time, to the point where it is not possible to move due to severe pain. Whenever symptoms appear that may indicate a change in the testicles, it is important to consult the urologist, in order to identify the correct cause and start the most appropriate treatment.
Who is most at risk of having epididymitis
The risk of developing an inflammation of the epididymis is greater in men with sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, however, epididymitis can also happen if there is another infection such as tuberculosis, prostatitis or urinary tract infection, for example.
In boys, epididymitis usually arises after a strong blow to the intimate region or by twisting the testicle. In either case, the symptoms are similar to the adult and should be treated as soon as possible in the hospital.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of epididymitis can be made by the doctor only based on observation and palpation of the intimate region, but it may be necessary to confirm it through tests such as urine exam, Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance, for example.
How the treatment is done
Since most cases of epididymitis are caused by an infection, treatment is usually started with the use of antibiotics such as:
- Doxycycline; Ciprofloxacin; Ceftriaxone.
These antibiotics should be taken for up to 4 weeks, according to the doctor's guidance, even if the symptoms have improved.
In addition, to alleviate the symptoms it is still advisable to maintain rest, avoid picking up very heavy objects and applying ice to the region. The urologist can also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, to improve well-being during recovery.
This type of treatment is usually quite successful and the symptoms improve in about 2 weeks, however, in some cases the epididymitis can take up to 3 months to disappear completely. In these cases, the doctor can also assess the need for surgery, especially if the epididymitis is not being caused by an infection but by a change in the anatomy of the testicles, for example.
