1/09/2009

Epididymitis(male disease)

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the coiled tube(epididymis) at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. Pain and swelling are the most common signs and symptoms. Males of any age can get epididymitis, but is is most common in men between the ages of 19 and 35.
Epididymitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection or by a sexually transmitted disease, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. In some cases the testicle may also be inflammed, a condition known as orchitis.
RISK FACTORS: 1: High -risk sexual behavior, such as having multiple sex partners, having sex with a partner with a STD, and having sex without a condom.
2: Personal history of an STD. You are at increased risk of an infection that causes epididymitis if you have had a STD in the past.
NON-STD INFECTIONS: 1: Post prostate or urinary tract infection, chronic urinary tract infection or prostate infection are linked to bacterial infections that can cause epididymitis.
2: Being uncurcumcised or having an anatomical abnormality of the urinary tract. These conditions increase your risk of epididymiyis caused by a bacterial infection.
3: Having a medical procedure that affects the urinary tract: Procedures such as surgery or having a urinary catheter or scope inserted into the penis can introduce bacteria into the genital -urinary tract, leading to infection.
4: Prostate enlargement: Having an enlarged prostate that obstructs bladder function and causes urine to remain in the bladder puts you at a higher risk of bladder infection, which increases the risk of epididymitis.
SYMPTOMS:
1: tender and red or warm scrotum. 2: Testicle pain and tenderness, usually on one side. 3: Painful urination or an urgent or frequent need to urinate. 4: Painful intercourse or ejaculation. 5: Chills and a fever that can last up to six weeks. 6: A lump on the testicle. 7: Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin. 8: Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. 9: Discharge from the penis. 10: Blood in the semen.
CAUSES:
1: Sexually transmitted diseases, particularly gonorrhea and chlamydia, are the most common causes of epididymitis in young , sexually active men. 2: Other infections: Boys, older men and homosexual men are more likely to have epididymitis caused by a non-sexually transmitted bacterial infection. Bacteria may spread from the infected site to the epididymis. 3: The heart medication amiodarone: This anti arrhythmic medication causes inflamation of the epididymis. 4: Tuberculosis: In some some cases tuberculosis can cause epididymitis.
TREATMENT AND DRUGS:
Epididymitis caused by a sexually transmitted disease or other infections is treated with antibiotic medication. Your sexual partner will also need treatment.

About the Author
researcher, educator, writer,biologist

1 comment:

  1. The disease caused by bacterial infection will require at least two weeks of antibiotic treatment. The medications given can include doxycycline, azithromycin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Cases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis will be treated by anti-tuberculosis medications. General treatment includes bed rest, elevation of scrotum and application of ice. The elevation will raise the scrotal sac above the level of heart improving blood flow and aids in rapid healing. Intake of plenty of water is recommended. Other than these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can also be of assistance. If amiodarone is the suspected causes then adjustment of the drug dose is recommended. The severe cases with exaggerated symptoms such as intractable pain, vomiting, very high fever or overall severe illness may require hospital admission. Surgical removal of testis may be required as treatment of Epididymitis in complicated cases. In case of chronic illness treatment is mainly directed towards reducing the discomfort.

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