Inflammation of the epididymis is a fairly common pathology faced by many members of the stronger sex. The disease in most cases is associated with the ingestion of pathogenic bacteria. Despite the fact that inflammation responds well to drug therapy, it should not be ignored - under certain conditions, the disease leads to dangerous complications.
Of course, many men seek additional information about pathology. Why does inflammation of the epididymis develop in men? Symptoms and treatment, risk factors and possible complications are important data worth studying.
What is pathology?
The epididymis is, in fact, a narrowed canal that adjoins the testicle. Interestingly, its length is 8 m. Nevertheless, this structure is very compact, as it is folded several times. The appendage is an important part of the reproductive system. It is in his channel that the "young" getspermatozoa. The process of passing through the epididymis takes about two weeks - during this time, the germ cells have time to fully mature.
Inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) is a fairly common problem. This disease most often affects men of young and mature age, but sometimes it is diagnosed in children (even newborns).
The pathological process can be one-sided (for example, cases of inflammation of the left epididymis in a man are often recorded) or spread to a couple of appendages. In addition, the disease, in the absence of proper treatment, testicular tissues are also involved in the inflammation process.
Main causes of disease development
Of course, patients are primarily interested in information about why inflammation of the epididymis develops. The reasons may actually be different.
- The inflammatory process is associated with the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms. The causative agents can be both bacteria and viruses. According to statistics, most often epididymitis develops against the background of sexually transmitted diseases, for example, gonorrhea, chlamydia. Pathogenic microorganisms enter the tissues of the scrotum through the urethral canal during intercourse with an infected person.
- In addition, the disease can be caused by the activation of the so-called opportunistic microflora, such as staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli, etc. The development of such pathologies, as a rule, occurs against the background of a decrease in the activity of the immune system. Pathogenic bacteria in this case can penetrate into the tissues of the scrotum togetherwith blood or lymph.
- Epididymitis sometimes develops against the background of progressive tuberculosis.
- The likelihood of developing an inflammatory process increases many times in the presence of congestion in the pelvic organs. This can lead to an inactive lifestyle, hemorrhoids, chronic constipation, constant interruption of sexual intercourse without ejaculation, prolonged abstinence.
- Epididymitis is one of the complications after sterilization.
- According to statistics, quite often inflammation is the result of an injury to the scrotum. In this case, we are talking not only about a blow or a severe bruise, but also about surgery, cystoscopy and some other diagnostic procedures.
Are there risk factors?
Doctors identify some potentially dangerous factors, the impact or presence of which increases the risk of developing such an ailment. Inflammation of the appendage in men most often develops against the background of:
- a sharp weakening of the immune defense;
- vitamin deficiency in the body;
- hypothermia (both general and local);
- physical overwork, constant stress associated with hormonal changes;
- Incorrect insertion of a catheter into the bladder.
Inflammation of the epididymis: photos and symptoms
The clinical picture of such a disease is very characteristic. Symptoms of inflammation of the epididymis appear suddenly. sickness likeAs a rule, it begins with a sharp increase in body temperature up to 39, and sometimes up to 40 degrees. There are other signs of intoxication, in particular, severe weakness, headaches, body aches, drowsiness.
Swelling is formed in the area of the scrotum - the skin here becomes smooth, reddish. If there is a unilateral lesion (for example, inflammation of the epididymis of the left testicle), then the edema can be localized only on one side. The affected side of the scrotum becomes hot to the touch.
Men complain of sharp, sharp pains that often spread to the entire groin area. Symptoms also include some soreness in the lower abdomen and lower back. Urination is accompanied by severe burning. Unpleasant sensations are accompanied by sexual intercourse. Many men note the appearance of cutting pains during ejaculation, and sometimes blood impurities can be seen in the ejaculant. The list of symptoms also includes the appearance of uncharacteristic discharge from the urethra.
On palpation, you can notice a slight induration in the testicular area. It is worth noting that touching the scrotum is accompanied by severe pain. The disease progresses rapidly and the intensity of the symptoms increases every day. In no case can you ignore the disease - a man needs to urgently consult a specialist.
Features of the clinical picture in chronic inflammation
Sometimes an acute process turns into a chronic form, which is quite reasonably considered more dangerous. The development of chronic inflammation of the epididymis can beresult:
- inadequate or lack of therapy, attempts at self-treatment;
- pronounced disruption of the immune system;
- presence of other chronic inflammatory diseases in the organs of the reproductive system;
- Previous surgery such as prostate removal or bladder surgery;
- presence of systemic diseases, in particular, diabetes.
The clinical picture in the chronic form of inflammation is blurred - the symptoms are mild or absent altogether. Sometimes patients complain of a feeling of discomfort in the scrotum that occurs when walking. But physical activity or sexual intercourse is often accompanied by soreness. The swelling on the scrotum is not so obvious, but on palpation you can feel a slightly enlarged, hard appendage. During the period of exacerbation of the disease, the symptoms become more pronounced. As in the case of the acute form, inflammation of the epididymis of the right or left testicle is possible, although most often the pathological process is bilateral.
Possible Complications
As evidenced by the reviews, the disease responds well to therapy. However, if left untreated, inflammation of the epididymis can lead to a very serious and dangerous complication.
- Acute epididymitis sometimes ends with suppuration of the epididymis. The accumulation of purulent masses is accompanied by a sharp deterioration in the patient's condition. Fever, weakness and other symptoms of intoxication become more pronounced. The scrotum swells, the skin in this area becomes smooth(almost glossy), and any touch is accompanied by intense pain. This condition sometimes requires surgery.
- Inflammation of the appendage in men often ends with the defeat of the testicle itself - the patient develops orchitis.
- Chronic forms of inflammation sometimes lead to scarring - the functional tissues of the scrotum are replaced by connective tissue elements. As a result of such processes, obstruction of the appendage develops. If bilateral epididymitis occurs, then the pathology may result in infertility.
That is why in no case should such a disease be ignored. Even after undergoing therapy, you need to take tests again and carefully monitor your well-being.
Epididymitis in newborns
Despite the fact that inflammation of the epididymis is most often diagnosed in men who have an active sex life, the likelihood of developing an illness in small (even newborn) children should not be ruled out.
In most cases, the cause of this disease at such a young age are viruses. Infection of the fetus can occur both during fetal development and during childbirth. The risk of developing the disease increases if the baby's immune system is weakened or there are some anomalies in the structure of the organs of the reproductive system.
Symptoms of inflammation of the epididymis in a child are sometimes difficult to notice, because the baby cannot report disturbing violations or deterioration in well-being. Smallthe patient becomes lethargic, often cries, sleeps badly. There is an increase in body temperature. Sometimes you can see an increase in the scrotum - in this case, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Diagnostic measures
The effectiveness of the treatment of inflammation of the epididymis largely depends on the correct diagnosis. After all, it is important not only to confirm the presence of the disease and determine its severity, but also to find out the cause of the development of the inflammatory process.
- To begin with, a general examination is carried out and information is collected about the symptoms that bother the patient. The presence of severe swelling of the scrotum, coupled with pain, is enough to suspect epididymitis. Of course, additional examinations are carried out in the future.
- Compulsory is a complete blood and urine test. Such tests help to confirm the presence of an inflammatory process in a patient.
- The patient's blood is also tested for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C.
- The man is also referred to a phthisiourologist, because it is important to exclude the possibility of tuberculous damage to the organs of the genitourinary system.
- A smear from the urethra with further microscopic examination makes it possible to detect infections that are sexually transmitted.
- An analysis of prostate secretion is also done.
- The patient's sperm (or prostate secretion) is used for bacteriological culture. Thus, in laboratory conditions, it is possible to grow a culture of the pathogen, accurately determine its type and checksensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to certain drugs.
- Ultrasound of the scrotum is also informative. During the procedure, the doctor may examine the testicles and spermatic cords, detect swelling and growths (if any).
- Additionally, an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, as well as the prostate gland (using a transrectal sensor) is performed. This allows you to assess the extent of the spread of the inflammatory process, to determine the presence of certain complications.
By carefully reviewing the results of all examinations, the doctor will be able to draw up a safe but effective treatment regimen.
Inflammation of the epididymis in men: treatment
Therapy for such a disease usually lasts from 10 to 14 days. Treatment of inflammation of the epididymis in men must be comprehensive. The choice of drugs largely depends on the causes of the disease, the stage of its development and some other factors.
- First of all, patients are prescribed antibiotics. Inflammation of the epididymis in most cases is associated with the activity of pathogenic bacteria, therefore, drugs with a wide spectrum of effects are effective, in particular, Ceftriaxone, Tavanic, Suprax, Floracid.
- In most cases, anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal) are also included in the treatment regimen. Rectal suppositories "Cefekon" and "Diklovit" are considered effective. Such medicines can not only relieve inflammation, but also alleviate the patient's condition by relieving pain and fever.
- Sometimes appliedantifungal drugs, for example, Fluconazole and Flucostat. These medicines help prevent candidiasis, which is a common complication of bacterial epididymitis.
- Since antibiotics have a detrimental effect on the beneficial microflora of the intestines and the reproductive system, patients also take probiotics, for example, Linex, Laktofiltrum, Bifiform. These drugs contain live bacteria of beneficial strains that repopulate body tissues, supporting the normal functioning of organ systems.
- It will be useful to take products containing a complex of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin therapy helps to strengthen the body's resistance, improve the functioning of the immune system, and normalize metabolism.
- Sometimes drugs that stimulate the immune system are additionally introduced into the treatment regimen. Effective are "Genferon", "Timolin", "Viferon" (the funds are available both in the form of tablets and in the form of suppositories for rectal administration). These medications are often recommended when inflammation is associated with a viral infection.
- Patients are also prescribed absorbable agents, for example, Lidaza. Such drugs help prevent the formation of adhesions in the organs of the scrotum, which often cause infertility.
- Doctors also recommend wearing a special bandage that fixes the scrotum in a stationary state - this helps speed up the healing process and relieve discomfort while walking.
- Despite the fact that the therapy is in most cases carried out at home, patients need bed rest, restrictionphysical activity, peace and relaxation.
- An important element of therapy is nutrition. Men should give up fatty, spicy, fried and spicy foods, as well as alcohol and tobacco. The menu must be balanced, and the dishes are light, but high-calorie.
After the end of the course of treatment, the patient is again examined and tested - this is the only way to detect the development of complications in time.
Surgical treatment
It should immediately be noted that the treatment of inflammation of the epididymis in men with antibiotics is effective in most cases. Surgical intervention is resorted to only as a last resort (if medications and physiotherapy do not give the desired result, or an abscess forms in the tissues of the scrotum).
- Epididymectomy - a procedure involving the removal of an inflamed area of the appendage. The operation can be performed both on one side (for example, with inflammation of the epididymis of the left testicle or right), and on both sides.
- Sometimes a vasectomy is performed - ligation of the vas deferens. This procedure helps prevent further spread of pathogenic bacteria.
Recipes of traditional medicine
Some home remedies can also be effective for conditions like epididymitis.
- A decoction of herbs helps to remove the inflammatory process. To prepare, you need to mix equal amounts of corn silk, violet root and bearberry herb. a tablespoon of herbal mixturebrew in a glass of boiling water. It is recommended to take two to three tablespoons three times a day.
- In addition, some herbalists recommend taking infusions or decoctions of rose hips, calamus root, celandine grass, anise seeds. Such drugs help to improve the functioning of the digestive tract, strengthen the immune system, relieve inflammation, and eliminate pain.
- In order to relieve pain, you need to use a different herbal mixture. It is necessary to mix equal amounts of juniper fruits, celandine and steelwort roots, crushed birch leaves and goose cinquefoil. Four tablespoons of the mixture are poured into a thermos and poured with a liter of boiling water. The medicine should be infused overnight, after which it can be filtered. It is recommended to drink a glass of infusion before meals. In order to improve the taste properties of tea, you can add a slice of lemon or a spoonful of honey to it.
- A mixture of lingonberry leaves, horsetail shoots and tansy flowers will help relieve discomfort (we take the components in equal amounts). Pour two tablespoons of herbs with a glass of boiling water, cover and insist for 30 minutes. After that, the infusion is ready for use. It is recommended to take the medicine at night, before going to bed.
- To fight inflammation, a mixture of elderflower, dried mint, calamus root, nettle leaves, juniper blossom and linden can be used. You need to take a teaspoon of each ingredient, put it in a large thermos and pour two liters of boiling water. After the remedy is infused, it can be filtered and drunk instead of tea and other usual drinks.
- Relieve inflammationVishnevsky's ointment will help. A small amount is applied to a wet gauze bandage, which is then applied to the scrotum.
Of course, you can not use such drugs without permission - home remedies can only be used with the permission of a doctor. It should be understood that such prescriptions only help speed up the recovery process, but cannot replace full-fledged drug therapy.
Prevention measures
You already know why this disease develops and how to treat inflammation of the epididymis. However, sometimes it is much easier to try to prevent the disease than to worry about therapy later.
- As already mentioned, risk factors include promiscuity. Therefore, experts recommend abandoning casual contacts. If sexual intercourse does take place, then we must not forget about the appropriate protective equipment.
- Do not forget about the rules of personal hygiene. By the way, for water procedures it is better to use hypoallergenic products. Also, experts recommend wearing loose underwear made from natural fabrics.
- It is important to strengthen the immune system, since the inflammatory process is often associated with the activation of opportunistic microflora.
- All infectious and inflammatory diseases must necessarily respond to adequate therapy in time, since the presence of chronic foci increases the risk of developing epididymitis and a host of other diseases.
Of course, when symptoms appear, you need to see a doctor. It is impossible to ignore the disease in the hope thatit will go away on its own - this only increases the likelihood of acute inflammation turning into a chronic form, which is much more difficult to cope with.
