When the epididymis becomes inflamed, a disease such as epididymitis occurs. This disease can occur due to various infectious diseases, for example, flu, sore throat, pneumonia or any other. Most often, the epididymis becomes inflamed in the presence of inflammatory processes in the urethra, for example, prostatitis, urethritis or vesiculitis. The occurrence of epididymitis can contribute to the resulting injury to the pelvis, scrotum or perineum, as well as any other factors that cause blood stasis in the pelvis. Usually the epididymis becomes inflamed and passes in an acute form, and chronic inflammation is extremely rare .
Manifestations of epididymitis
The onset of the disease is signaled by the appearance of pain in half of the scrotum and its significant increase. Pain can be given to the perineum, groin, and even to the lower back. The pain in the epididymis is especially intensified during any movement. At the site of the lesion, the scrotum swells and turns red. In this case, an increase in temperature occurs, all the signs of an inflammatory disease appear: headache, weakness, loss of appetite , etc. The appendage of the testicle increases significantly in size, and touching it becomes very painful.
If you neglect the treatment of the disease, then suppuration in the epididymis may begin. The patient's condition worsens, body temperature rises. If you do not attach importance to the fact that the epididymis hurts , the inflammation can go to the testicle itself. Then the acute orchitis will begin.
If the inflammatory process is not treated, this can lead to proliferation of connective tissue, which means there will be obstruction of the epididymis for sperm, which will lead to bilateral epididymitis and infertility.
Treatment of acute epididymitis
With a mild form of the disease, patients are treated at home. Patients are subject to hospitalization only when there is a high probability of complications. But in any case, the patient must strictly adhere to bed rest. In this case, the scrotum is fixed in an elevated position, for example, with a rolled towel. It is extremely important during the treatment of epididymitis to follow a diet, namely, do not eat fried and spicy foods. The use of a cold compress in the scrotum area significantly reduces pain, but it can be applied for 1-2 hours, after which a half-hour break can be made.
A prerequisite is the treatment of the disease that led to the occurrence of epididymitis. It is carried out with the use of antibiotics, absorbable drugs, enzymes and vitamins. After acute inflammation in the epididymis is removed, physiotherapy and thermal procedures are performed. The operation is performed when suppuration of the epididymis occurs. In especially severe cases, the appendage is removed.
Manifestations of chronic epididymitis
The occurrence of this disease usually occurs after sterilization, as well as as a consequence of diseases such as tuberculosis and syphilis. Usually, acute epididymitis is unilateral, while chronic more often can be bilateral and cause infertility. Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor on time and timely and fully carry out treatment.
Epididymitis Prevention
Prevention of this disease is to prevent the occurrence of chronic diseases of the genitourinary system, especially chronic prostatitis and urethritis. Especially it is necessary to listen to the state of your body after the transfer of infectious diseases, as well as any injuries of the scrotum. For any suspicion, it is better to immediately contact a specialist who will conduct an examination and, if necessary, prescribe an effective treatment.