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Epididymitis is the inflammation of the epididymis - a tube
located at the back of each testicle, through which sperm
passes. A bacterial infection originating in the bladder or
prostate is most often the cause of epididymitis. However,
sexually transmitted diseases such as, gonorrhea or chlamydia
can also be to blame. Although the infection can affect both
sides of the epididymis, it most often only occurs on one side.
Signs and Symptoms:
The first signs of epididymitis is a hot, tender and very
painful swelling, situated in the back portion of one of your
testicles. The pain is generally severe, and usually accompanied
by a fever. After a couple of hours the scrotum may begin to
swell and stiffen. The teste itself will not be affected by the
bacteria if treatment is sought.
Incidence
This type of infection is indeed quite rare, mainly because the
urinary tract infection responsible for this disorder rarely
develops. The symptoms produced by the infection usually result
in the patient seeking professional help, well before it has had
chance to spread to the reproductive organs.
Treatment
If you think you may be suffering with epididymitis, it is vital
that you consult your doctor immediately. Treatment with
appropriate antibiotics almost always cure the disorder,
although the medication may have to be continued for some time
to ensure eradication of the infecting organisms. Epididymitis
is usually the result of some underlying structural abnormality
in the bladder or kidneys, so it is therefore important to
discover the exact cause of the urinary tract infection, that
led to this disorder. Your partner may also need to be treated
to prevent reinfection, and it will be advisable to abstain from
sexual intercourse until the infection has cleared. Bed rest,
the application of ice packs and elevating the scrotum by the
use of a rolled up towel will all help in easing the pain.
Athletic support may also want to be worn to ease the discomfort
during recuperation.
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