It is usually accompanied by significant pain and, if left untreated, can lead to further complications or even impact fertility. Here are the basics of epididymitis, including options for treatment and prevention. The cause of epididymitis varies between cases and may depend on age and sexual habits. Some of the causes can include:.
In the case of nonsexually transmitted epididymitis, risk factors may include:. A few factors can increase the risk of sexually transmitted epididymitis including:. In any cases of pain or swelling in the scrotum, or if you have pain during urination or a discharge from the penis, see your doctor immediately.
Other complications can include a pus-filled infection in the scrotum, reduced fertility in rare cases , or a condition called epididymo-orchitis if the disease spreads to your testicle. Antibiotic medications are the foundation for epididymitis treatment. Because all variants of the condition are related to bacterial infections, they should all respond to antibiotics—although it often takes several weeks for symptoms to disappear entirely. In cases where epididymitis was caused by an STD, your sexual partner will also need a round of antibiotics.
Your doctor may also recommend things like an athletic strap on the scrotum for support and ice packs or pain relievers for mild pain and discomfort. Epididymitis will typically clear up in about three months. In certain cases where an abscess has formed in the area, surgery might be required to drain the abscess. There are also times where part, or all, of the epididymis will need to be removed during surgery. Sexually transmitted varieties of epididymitis can be prevented.
Never ignore scrotal pain or swelling, which can be caused by a number of conditions. Some of them require immediate treatment to avoid permanent damage. If scrotal pain is severe, seek emergency treatment. See a doctor if you have discharge from your penis or pain when you urinate. The male reproductive system makes, stores and moves sperm. Testicles produce sperm. Fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland combine with sperm to make semen. The penis ejaculates semen during sexual intercourse.
Certain sexual behaviors that can lead to STIs put you at risk of sexually transmitted epididymitis, including having:. To help protect against STIs that can cause epididymitis practice safer sex.
If you have recurrent urninary tract infections or other risk factors for epididymitis, your doctor might discuss with you other ways of preventing a recurrence.
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Treatment goals for acute epididymitis are 1 microbiologic infection cure, 2 improvement of signs and symptoms, 3 prevention of transmission of chlamydia and gonorrhea to others, and 4 decreased potential for chlamydial or gonococcal epididymitis complications e. Although the majority of men with acute epididymitis can be treated on an outpatient basis, referral to a specialist and hospitalization should be considered when severe pain or fever indicates other diagnoses e.
Age, history of diabetes, fever, and elevated C-reactive protein can indicate more severe disease requiring hospitalization For acute epididymitis most likely caused by enteric organisms only: Levofloxacin mg orally once daily for 10 days. Levofloxacin monotherapy should be considered if the infection is most likely caused by enteric organisms only, and gonorrhea has been ruled out by Gram, MB, or GV stain.
This includes men who have undergone prostate biopsy, vasectomy, and other urinary tract instrumentation procedures. Treatment should be guided by bacterial cultures and antimicrobial susceptibilities. As an adjunct to therapy, bed rest, scrotal elevation, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended until fever and local inflammation have subsided. Complete resolution of discomfort might not occur for a few weeks after completion of the antibiotic regimen.
Men who have acute epididymitis confirmed or suspected to be caused by N. All men with acute epididymitis should be tested for HIV and syphilis. Men who experience swelling and tenderness that persist after completion of antimicrobial therapy should be evaluated for alternative diagnoses, including tumor, abscess, infarction, testicular cancer, TB, and fungal epididymitis. Men who have acute sexually transmitted epididymitis confirmed or suspected to be caused by N. Arrangements should be made to link sex partners to care.
EPT is an effective strategy for treating sex partners of men who have or are suspected of having chlamydia or gonorrhea for whom linkage to care is anticipated to be delayed , see Partner Services. Partners should be instructed to abstain from sexual intercourse until they and their sex partners are treated and symptoms have resolved. The risk for penicillin cross-reactivity is negligible between all third-generation cephalosporins e.
Alternative regimens have not been studied; therefore, clinicians should consult an infectious disease specialist if such regimens are required. Men with HIV infection who have uncomplicated acute epididymitis should receive the same treatment regimen as those who do not have HIV. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate.
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