What causes epididymis swelling and pain?

When a male friend finds that his epididymis is swollen and painful at the same time, it is best to pay enough attention to it. This may be caused by epididymitis. Severe epididymitis will also affect the patient's walking, and as the pain radiates, it may also cause general discomfort. During normal treatment, it is best to find out the specific cause first.

Acute epididymitis is mostly caused by urinary tract infection spreading along the vas deferens to the epididymis. Transurethral instrumentation, frequent catheterization, and indwelling urinary catheter after prostatectomy are all factors that cause epididymitis. Acute epididymitis can turn into chronic epididymitis if it is not treated thoroughly. Common pathogens are Escherichia coli, followed by Proteus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Chlamydia trachomatis can also cause acute epididymitis. Pathogenic bacteria often enter the epididymis retrogradely through the vas deferens. In addition, bacteria invading the epididymis can also cause epididymitis through lymphatic vessels or bloodstream infection, but this is rare.

Since the ejaculatory duct opens into the prostatic fossa, urethral pressure during urination can cause urine to flow back into the ejaculatory duct.

Symptoms of acute epididymitis

Acute epididymitis develops rapidly, with symptoms of swelling and discomfort of the scrotum on the affected side, severe local pain, and even affecting movement. The pain can radiate to the ipsilateral inguinal area and lower abdomen, and is accompanied by general discomfort and high fever.

Physical examination: The epididymis on the affected side is enlarged and painful. When the inflammation is severe, the testicles may be affected and the scrotal skin may become red and swollen.

Symptoms of chronic epididymitis

Chronic epididymitis is more common than acute epididymitis. Some patients fail to recover in the acute stage and develop chronic disease. Most patients have no history of acute attacks and are often accompanied by chronic prostatitis. The clinical manifestations of this disease are diverse, with scrotal pain and bloating, and the pain may radiate to the lower abdomen and the inner thigh on the same side.

Physical examination: The epididymis is slightly enlarged, hardened and has nodules, with mild local tenderness and thickened ipsilateral ureter. Chronic epididymitis can often have acute attacks.

Editor's reminder:

Once symptoms of epididymitis are discovered, it is important to actively seek the help of a specialist. In order to maximize the patient's fertility, treatment must be thorough.

For epididymitis, it is best to detect it as early as possible and then treat it through some safe and effective methods, and try to avoid the condition getting worse due to long-term delay. Severe epididymitis will affect the fertility of male friends, and the disease may also cause a lot of discomfort to other organs of the body.