Inflammation of the epididymis is a fairly common pathology encountered 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 lends itself well to drug therapy, you should not ignore it - under certain conditions, the disease leads to dangerous complications.
Of course, many men are looking for additional information about the pathology. Why does inflammation of the epididymis develop in men? Symptoms and treatment, risk factors and possible complications are important data that are worth exploring.
What is a pathology?
The epididymis is essentially a narrowed canal that is adjacent to the testis. Interestingly, its length is 8 m. Nevertheless, this structure is very compact, since it is folded several times. The appendage is an important part of the reproductive system. It is in his channel that the "young" spermatozoa fall. The process of passing 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. Men and young men often suffer from such a disease, 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, an ailment in the absence of proper treatment, the tissues of the testicle are involved in the process of inflammation.
The main causes of the development of the disease
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. Pathogens can be both bacteria and viruses. According to statistics, most often epididymitis develops against the background of sexually transmitted diseases, for example, gonorrhea, chlamydia. Pathogens enter the scrotum tissue 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, for example, staphylococci, streptococci, Escherichia coli, etc. The development of such pathologies, as a rule, occurs against the background of a decrease in the activity of the immune system. In this case, pathogenic bacteria can enter the scrotum tissue along with blood or lymph.
- Epididymitis sometimes develops against the background of progressive tuberculosis.
- The likelihood of developing an inflammatory process at times increases in the presence of congestion in the pelvic organs. Inactive lifestyle, hemorrhoids, chronic constipation, constant interruption of sexual intercourse without ejaculation, prolonged abstinence can lead to this.
- Epididymitis is one of the complications after sterilization.
- According to statistics, often enough, inflammation is the result of a scrotum injury. In this case, we are talking not only about shock or severe injury, but also about surgery, cystoscopy and some other diagnostic procedures.
Are there any risk factors?
Doctors identify some potentially dangerous factors, the impact or presence of which increases the risk of developing such an ailment. Adnexal inflammation in men most often develops against the background of:
- sharp weakening of immune defense;
- deficiency of vitamins in the body;
- hypothermia (both general and local);
- physical overwork, constant stresses that are associated with changes in the hormonal background;
- improper installation of a catheter in the bladder.
Inflammation of the epididymis: photo and symptoms
The clinical picture with a similar disease is very characteristic. Symptoms of inflammation of the epididymis appear suddenly. The disease, as a rule, begins with a sharp increase in body temperature to 39, and sometimes up to 40 degrees. There are other signs of intoxication, in particular, severe weakness, headaches, body aches, drowsiness.
Edema forms in 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 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, which often extend to the entire groin area. Symptoms also include some soreness in the lower abdomen and lower back. Urination is accompanied by a pronounced burning sensation. Unpleasant sensations are accompanied by sexual intercourse. Many men note the appearance of cutting pain during ejaculation, and sometimes blood impurities can be seen in the ejaculant. The appearance of uncharacteristic discharge from the urethra is also referred to the list of symptoms.
On palpation, you may notice a slight seal in the testicle. It is worth noting that touching the scrotum is accompanied by severe pain. The disease progresses rapidly and the intensity of symptoms increases every day. In no case can one ignore the ailment - a man urgently needs to see a specialist.
Features of the clinical picture in chronic inflammation
Sometimes an acute process becomes chronic, which is justifiably considered more dangerous. The development of chronic inflammation of the epididymis may be the result of:
- inadequate therapy or even its absence, attempts at self-medication;
- severe disruption in the functioning of the immune system;
- the presence of other chronic inflammatory diseases in the organs of the reproductive system;
- previous surgery, for example, removal of the prostate gland or bladder surgery;
- the presence of systemic diseases, in particular diabetes mellitus.
The clinical picture in the chronic form of inflammation is blurred - the symptoms are mild or none at all. Sometimes patients complain of a discomfort in the scrotum that occurs when walking. But physical activity or sexual intercourse is often accompanied by soreness. Edema on the scrotum is not so pronounced, but with palpation you can feel a slightly enlarged, solid appendage. During an exacerbation of the disease, the symptoms become more pronounced. As in the case of the acute form, the development of inflammation of the appendage of the right testicle or left is possible, although most often the pathological process is bilateral.
Possible complications
According to reviews, the ailment responds well to therapy. However, if untreated, inflammation of the epididymis can lead to a very serious and dangerous complication.
- Acute epididymitis sometimes ends with suppuration of the appendage. 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. In this condition, surgical intervention is sometimes required.
- Inflammation of the appendage in men often ends in damage to 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 there is bilateral epididymitis, then the pathology can result in infertility.
That is why in no case should one ignore such a disease. 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 ailment in small (even newborn) children should not be excluded.
In most cases, the cause of this disease at such a young age is viruses. Infection of the fetus can occur both during fetal development and during childbirth. The risk of developing an ailment increases if the baby has weakened immunity or there are some abnormalities 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 can not report disturbing disturbances or deterioration in his well-being. A small patient becomes lethargic, often cries, sleeps poorly. 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 and collection of information about the symptoms that concern the patient is carried out. The presence of severe scrotal edema, coupled with pain, is enough to suspect epididymitis. Of course, in the future, additional examinations are carried out.
- Mandatory is a general analysis of blood and urine. Such tests help confirm that the patient has an inflammatory process.
- The patient’s blood is also tested for HIV infection, syphilis, hepatitis B and C.
- The man is also referred to a phthisiourologist, because it is important to exclude the likelihood of tuberculous lesions 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 performed.
- Patient's sperm (or prostate secretion) is used for bacteriological culture. Thus, in laboratory conditions, you can grow the culture of the pathogen, accurately determine its type and test the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to certain drugs.
- The ultrasound of the scrotum is also informative. During the procedure, the doctor can examine the testicles and spermatic cords, detect swelling and neoplasms (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 degree of spread of the inflammatory process, to determine the presence of certain complications.
Having carefully studied the results of all examinations, the doctor will be able to draw up a safe but effective treatment regimen.
Epididymis in men: treatment
Therapy for such a disease lasts, as a rule, 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 onset of the disease, the stage of its development and some other factors.
- First of all, antibiotics are prescribed to patients. 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, and Floratsid.
- In most cases, anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal) are also introduced into the treatment regimen. The rectal suppositories Cefekon and Diklovit are considered effective. Such drugs can not only relieve inflammation, but also alleviate the patient's condition by relieving pain and fever.
- Sometimes antifungal drugs are used, for example, Fluconazole and Flucostat. These medications help prevent candidiasis, which is often complicated by bacterial epididymitis.
- Since antibiotics have a detrimental effect on the beneficial microflora of the intestines and reproductive system, patients also take probiotics, for example Linex, Lactofiltrum, Bifiform. The composition of such preparations contains live bacteria of useful strains that repopulate body tissues, supporting the normal functioning of organ systems.
- It will be useful to take funds containing a complex of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin therapy helps to increase 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" (funds are available both in tablet form and in the form of suppositories for rectal administration). Such medications are often recommended if inflammation is associated with a viral infection.
- Patients are also prescribed absorbable agents, for example, Lidazu. 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 to speed up the healing process and relieve discomfort while walking.
- Despite the fact that in most cases therapy is carried out at home, patients require bed rest, restriction of physical activity, rest and rest.
- An important element of therapy is nutrition. Men should refuse fatty, spicy, fried and spicy dishes, as well as alcohol and tobacco. The menu must be balanced, and the dishes are light, but high-calorie.
After completing the course of treatment, the patient once again undergoes examination and passes tests - this is the only way to detect the development of complications in time.
Surgery
It is immediately worth noting that treatment of inflammation of the epididymis in men with antibiotics is in most cases effective. Surgery is resorted to only as a last resort (if medications and physiotherapy do not give the desired result or an abscess forms in the scrotum tissue).
- Epididyctomy is a procedure involving the removal of the inflamed area of the appendage. The operation can be performed both on one side (for example, with inflammation of the appendage of the left testicle or right), and on both.
- Occasionally, a vasectomy is performed - ligation of the vas deferens. This procedure helps prevent the further spread of pathogenic bacteria.
Traditional medicine recipes
Some home-made remedies can also be effective in diseases such as epididymitis.
- A decoction of herbs helps to remove the inflammatory process. For cooking, you need to mix in equal amounts corn stigmas, violet root and bearberry grass. A tablespoon of the herbal mixture should be brewed 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 rosehip berries, calamus root, celandine herbs, 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 another herbal mixture. It is necessary to mix equal amounts of juniper fruits, celandine and steel root, chopped birch leaves and goose cinquefoil. Four tablespoons of the mixture is 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 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 equal amounts of components). Two tablespoons of herbs pour a glass of boiling water, cover and insist for 30 minutes. After this, the infusion is ready for use. It is recommended to take medicine at night, before going to bed.
- To combat inflammation, a mixture of elderberry flowers, dried mint, calamus root, nettle leaves, juniper and linden flowers can be used. You need to take a teaspoon of each ingredient, fill 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 familiar drinks.
- Vishnevsky ointment will help relieve inflammation. A small amount is applied to a wet gauze dressing, which is then applied to the scrotum.
Of course, you can’t use such drugs on your own; , , .
Preventive actions
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