Epididymis is the first portion of the duct that drains the testes. An inflammation of this Epididymis is known as Epididymitis. This disease is generally caused due to the bacterial organisms that are related to urinary tract infection, sexually-transmitted disease such as Chlamydia or gonorrhoea, prostatitis or the infection of the prostrate, and removal of prostrate known as prostatectomy.
The early symptoms of this disease include slight fever, chill, and a heavy sensation in the testicles. This later develops into swelling of the scrotum and pain in the area. This swelling, can, at times, make walking difficult or even impossible. The patient may also feel discomfort in his lower abdomen. Urination may become painful. In some cases, here is a discharge from the urethra or appearance of blood in the semen. The testicle may become enlarged, and ejaculation too, might become painful.
Epididymitis can be diagnosed through a physical examination. However, experts may perform diagnostic tests such as analysis and culture of the urine, screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, complete blood count, and a gram stain of the urethral discharge. In case of Epididymitis, the complete blood count may indicate an increased blood count level.
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics as a line of treatment for this disease. These medicines however, do not have an adverse effect on the sexual drive or ability of the patient. Analgesics may also be prescribed to relieve pain, apart from elevation and support of the scrotum. In case of sexually-transmitted disease, both the partners would be treated. Though a rare case, Epididymitis may recur, in which case a surgery may be necessary.