Inflammation of the epididymis and prostate

Symptoms of inflammation of the epididymis and treatment of pathology

Epididymitis is an inflammatory process in the epididymis that affects the head, body, tail and vas deferens. The patency of the appendage is important for the formation of high-quality sperm.

Manifestation of inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis).

Epididymitis can develop against the background of infections with a decrease in the body's immune defenses. Angina, acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, in the absence of adequate therapy and a failure of immunity, can provoke the development of inflammation of the epididymis in men, especially with the existing chronic pathology of the pelvic organs. In this case, the infectious agent enters the epididymis of the male gonad with blood flow.

Clinical manifestations

Distinguish between acute and chronic epididymitis. Acute inflammatory process is characterized by:

• complaints of pulling pain along the epididymis in the right or left inguinal region;
• increasing the temperature to 38-39 C;
• intoxication of the body, manifested by weakness.

Inflammation of the appendage in most cases begins with inflammation of the testicle itself.

In 85% of cases, the primary inflammation begins in the testicle and only then spreads to the vas deferens and spermatic cord, so the patient notes severe pain in the corresponding half of the scrotum, swelling, an increase in the size of the testicle, hyperemia. Simultaneous inflammation of the testicle and its epididymis is called orchiepididymitis.

Palpation of the scrotum is impossible due to severe pain and swelling. After 3-4 days, against the background of antibacterial anti-inflammatory therapy, the puffiness begins to subside, and a lumpy dense infiltrate can be detected in the tail or body of the appendage.

When the vas deferens (deferentitis) and the spermatic cord (funiculitis) are involved in the pathological process, a thickened painful cord is felt in the inguinal region by palpation. If treatment is not started in time, then there is a high probability of fibrotic changes in the epididymis, the transition of an acute inflammatory process into a chronic one and the development of infertility.

Factors that lead to chronic epididymitis

Chronic epididymitis is an unfavorable outcome of an acute inflammatory process. The chronic course of the disease can lead to:

Inadequate therapy and self-medication lead to chronic epididymitis.

Diagnosis

In order to make a diagnosis of epididymitis, it is necessary to conduct a clinical and urological examination in the following scope:

• general blood test;
• blood for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C;
• general urinalysis;
• smear from the urethra for STDs (sexually transmitted diseases);
• prostate secretion;
• Culture of semen or prostate secretion to determine the pathogen and sensitivity to antibiotic therapy;
• Ultrasound of the scrotum (see ultrasound of the pelvic organs);
• Ultrasound of the prostate with a transrectal probe (through the rectum);
• Consultation of a phthisiourologist to rule out tuberculous specificity of the process.

Conducting a complete clinical and urological examination allows you to find out the cause of inflammation of the epididymis and prescribe a full-fledged treatment. The appointment of treatment without examination leads to fatal errors. Seminoma (a malignant tumor of the testicle), urogenital tuberculosis, prostate cancer and a "bouquet" of sexually transmitted diseases are sometimes masked behind orchiepidimitis, especially often recurrent.

In case of inflammation of the epididymis, therapy usually takes 10-12 days and includes the following complex:

Antibiotics are the main treatment for epididymitis.

A broad-spectrum antibacterial drug (Tavanic, Floracid, Ceftriaxone, Suprax are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics). Candles with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diklovit, Cefekon) can relieve pain and reduce temperature, enhance the effect of antibiotics. Antifungal drugs (Flucostat, Fluconazole) are used to prevent the development of candidiasis (thrush). Multivitamin complex preparations in the treatment of inflammation of the epididymis increase the body's defenses and strengthen the immune system. Probiotics (Laktofiltrum) help to normalize the intestinal flora. Compresses are used for local treatment, an alcohol compress helps in diluting in half with water; alternate every other day with the application of Vishnevsky ointment to the diseased testicle. Means that stimulate the immune system are prescribed in the absence of the effect of therapy, after an immunogram. These include: Timolin, Cycloferon, Genferon, Viferon. Absorbable drugs (Lidase) for epididymitis are prescribed to prevent adhesions leading to infertility. Physiotherapy. Diet therapy (exclude spicy, sour, salty, alcohol from the diet).I would like to note that the result of sowing sperm or prostate secretion for flora and sensitivity to antibiotics is being prepared for several days, but this is necessary to complete the picture.

In acute inflammation, antibiotic therapy is started immediately; an antibiotic to which there is sensitivity is included in the treatment regimen with the second drug. If there is good sensitivity to an already prescribed antibacterial agent, then it is not necessary to add a second drug.

In the treatment of chronic epididymitis, the examination algorithm and medications are identical.

Consequences

Inflammation of the epididymis can lead to prostatitis.

If you do not take proper measures, you can get chronic inflammation of the male urinary organs:

The diseases listed above are the main cause of fertility disorders (the ability to have offspring) and erectile dysfunction (potency disorders).

To prevent the disease, it is recommended to undergo an examination by a urologist once a year, use condoms for casual sexual intercourse and take herbal remedies that allow you to achieve stable remission in chronic diseases of the male genital area.

Urologist Mishina V.V.

Inflammation of the epididymis: causes, symptoms, treatment

Inflammation of the epididymis is a fairly common pathology faced by many members of the stronger sex. The disease in most cases is associated with the ingestion of pathogenic bacteria. Despite the fact that inflammation responds well to drug therapy, it should not be ignored - under certain conditions, the disease leads to dangerous complications.

Of course, many men are looking for additional information about pathology. Why does inflammation of the epididymis develop in men? Symptoms and treatment, risk factors and possible complications are important data worth studying.

What is pathology?

The epididymis is essentially a narrowed canal that adjoins the testicle. Interestingly, its length is 8 m. Nevertheless, this structure is very compact, as it is folded several times. The appendage is an important part of the reproductive system. It is in his channel that "young" spermatozoa enter. The process of passing through the epididymis takes about two weeks - during this time, the germ cells have time to fully mature.

Inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) is a fairly common problem. Men of young and mature age most often suffer from such a disease, but sometimes it is also diagnosed in children (even newborns).

The pathological process can be unilateral (for example, cases of inflammation of the left epididymis in a man are often recorded) or spread to a pair of appendages. In addition, the disease, in the absence of proper treatment, testicular tissues are also involved in the inflammation process.

The main causes of the development of the disease

Of course, patients are primarily interested in information about why inflammation of the epididymis develops. The reasons may actually be different.

• The inflammatory process is associated with the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms. The causative agents can be both bacteria and viruses. According to statistics, most often epididymitis develops against the background of sexually transmitted diseases, for example, gonorrhea, chlamydia. Pathogenic microorganisms enter the tissues of the scrotum through the urethral canal during intercourse with an infected person.
• In addition, the disease can be caused by the activation of the so-called conditionally pathogenic microflora, for example, staphylococci, streptococci, Escherichia coli, etc. The development of such pathologies, as a rule, occurs against the background of a decrease in the activity of the immune system. Pathogenic bacteria in this case can penetrate into the tissues of the scrotum along with blood or lymph.
• Epididymitis sometimes develops against the background of progressive tuberculosis.
• The likelihood of developing an inflammatory process increases many times in the presence of congestion in the pelvic organs. This can lead to an inactive lifestyle, hemorrhoids, chronic constipation, constant interruption of sexual intercourse without ejaculation, prolonged abstinence.
• Epididymitis is one of the complications after sterilization.
• According to statistics, quite often inflammation is the result of an injury to the scrotum. In this case, we are talking not only about a blow or a severe bruise, but also about surgery, cystoscopy and some other diagnostic procedures.

Are there risk factors?

Doctors identify some potentially dangerous factors, the impact or presence of which increases the risk of developing such an ailment.Inflammation of the appendage in men most often develops against the background of:

• a sharp weakening of the immune defense;
• vitamin deficiency in the body;
• hypothermia (both general and local);
• physical overwork, constant stress, which are associated with changes in hormonal levels;
• Incorrect insertion of a catheter into the bladder.

Inflammation of the epididymis: photos and symptoms

The clinical picture with such a disease is very characteristic. Symptoms of inflammation of the epididymis appear suddenly. The disease, as a rule, begins with a sharp increase in body temperature to 39, and sometimes up to 40 degrees. There are other signs of intoxication, in particular, severe weakness, headaches, body aches, drowsiness.

In the area of the scrotum, swelling forms - the skin here becomes smooth, reddish. If there is a unilateral lesion (for example, inflammation of the epididymis of the left testicle), then the edema can be localized only on one side. The affected side of the scrotum becomes hot to the touch.

Men complain of sharp, sharp pains that often spread to the entire groin area. Symptoms also include some soreness in the lower abdomen and lower back. Urination is accompanied by severe burning. Unpleasant sensations are accompanied by sexual intercourse. Many men note the appearance of cutting pains during ejaculation, and sometimes blood impurities can be seen in the ejaculant. The list of symptoms also includes the appearance of uncharacteristic discharge from the urethra.

On palpation, you can notice a small seal in the testicle. It is worth noting that touching the scrotum is accompanied by severe pain. The disease progresses rapidly and the intensity of the symptoms increases every day. In no case can you ignore the disease - a man needs to urgently consult a specialist.

Peculiarities of the clinical picture in chronic inflammation

Sometimes an acute process turns into a chronic form, which is justifiably considered more dangerous. The development of chronic inflammation of the epididymis can be the result of:

• inadequate therapy or its absence at all, attempts at self-treatment;
• severe impairment of the immune system;
• the presence of other chronic inflammatory diseases in the organs of the reproductive system;
• Previous surgery, such as removal of the prostate gland or bladder surgery;
• the presence of systemic diseases, in particular, diabetes.

The clinical picture in the chronic form of inflammation is blurred - the symptoms are mild or absent altogether. Sometimes patients complain of discomfort in the scrotum that occurs when walking. But physical activity or sexual intercourse is often accompanied by soreness. The edema on the scrotum is not so obvious, but on palpation you can feel a slightly enlarged, hard appendage. During the period of exacerbation of the disease, the symptoms become more pronounced. As in the case of the acute form, it is possible to develop inflammation of the epididymis of the right testicle or the left, although most often the pathological process is bilateral.

Possible complications

According to the reviews, the disease responds well to therapy. However, if left untreated, inflammation of the epididymis can lead to a very serious and dangerous complication.

• Acute epididymitis sometimes ends with suppuration of the epididymis. The accumulation of purulent masses is accompanied by a sharp deterioration in the patient's condition. Fever, weakness and other symptoms of intoxication become more pronounced. The scrotum swells, the skin in this area becomes smooth (almost glossy), and any touch is accompanied by intense pain. In this condition, sometimes surgery is required.
• Inflammation of the appendage in men often ends with a lesion of the testicle itself - the patient develops orchitis.
• As a result of such processes, obstruction of the appendage develops. If bilateral epididymitis occurs, then the pathology may result in infertility.

That is why in no case should such a disease be ignored. Even after undergoing therapy, you need to take tests again and carefully monitor your well-being.

Epididymitis in newborns

Despite the fact that inflammation of the epididymis is most often diagnosed in men who have an active sex life, the likelihood of developing an illness in small (even newborn) children should not be ruled out.

In most cases, viruses are the cause of this disease at such a young age. Infection of the fetus can occur both during fetal development and during childbirth. The risk of developing the disease increases if the baby's immunity is weakened or there are some anomalies in the structure of the organs of the reproductive system.

Symptoms of inflammation of the epididymis in a child are sometimes difficult to notice, because the baby cannot report disturbing disorders or deterioration in well-being. The little patient becomes lethargic, often cries, does not sleep well. There is an increase in body temperature. Sometimes you can see an increase in the scrotum - in this case, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Diagnostic measures

The effectiveness of the treatment of inflammation of the epididymis largely depends on the correct diagnosis. After all, it is important not only to confirm the presence of the disease and determine the degree of its severity, but also to find out the cause of the development of the inflammatory process.

• To begin with, a general examination is carried out and information is collected about the symptoms that bother the patient. The presence of severe swelling of the scrotum, coupled with pain, is enough to suspect epididymitis. Of course, additional examinations are carried out in the future.
• Compulsory blood and urine tests are required. Such tests help to confirm the presence of an inflammatory process in a patient.
• The patient's blood is also tested for HIV infection, syphilis, hepatitis B and C.
• A man is also referred to a phthisiourologist, because it is important to exclude the possibility of tuberculous damage to the organs of the genitourinary system.
• A smear from the urethra with further microscopic examination makes it possible to detect infections that are sexually transmitted.
• Prostate secretions are also analyzed.
• The patient's sperm (or prostate secretion) is used for bacteriological culture. Thus, under laboratory conditions, it is possible to grow a culture of the pathogen, accurately determine its type and test the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to certain drugs.
• Ultrasound of the scrotum is also informative. During the procedure, the doctor can examine the testicles and spermatic cords, detect swelling and neoplasms (if any).
• In addition, an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, as well as the prostate gland (using a transrectal probe) is performed. This allows you to assess the extent of the spread of the inflammatory process, to determine the presence of certain complications.

Having carefully studied the results of all examinations, the doctor will be able to draw up a safe, but effective treatment regimen.

Inflammation of the epididymis in men: treatment

Therapy for such a disease lasts, as a rule, from 10 to 14 days. Treatment of inflammation of the epididymis in men must be comprehensive. The choice of drugs largely depends on the causes of the disease, the stage of its development and some other factors.

• Initially, patients are prescribed antibiotics. Inflammation of the epididymis in most cases is associated with the activity of pathogenic bacteria, therefore, drugs with a wide spectrum of effects, in particular, Ceftriaxone, Tavanic, Suprax, Floracid, are effective.
• In most cases, anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal) are also included in the treatment regimen. Rectal suppositories "Cefekon" and "Diklovit" are considered effective. Such medicines can not only relieve inflammation, but also alleviate the patient's condition by relieving pain and fever.
• Antifungal drugs such as Fluconazole and Flucostat are sometimes used. These medicines help prevent candidiasis, which is a common complication of bacterial epididymitis.
• Since antibiotics have a detrimental effect on the beneficial microflora of the intestines and the reproductive system, patients also take probiotics, for example, Linex, Laktofiltrum, Bifiform. The composition of such preparations contains live bacteria of beneficial strains that repopulate the tissues of the body, supporting the normal functioning of organ systems.
• It will be useful to take products containing a complex of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin therapy helps to strengthen the body's resistance, improve the functioning of the immune system, and normalize metabolism.
• Sometimes, drugs that stimulate the immune system are additionally introduced into the treatment regimen. Effective are "Genferon", "Timolin", "Viferon" (the funds are available both in the form of tablets and in the form of suppositories for rectal administration). Such drugs are often recommended if the inflammation is associated with a viral infection.
• Patients are also prescribed absorbable agents, for example, Lidaza. Such drugs help prevent the formation of adhesions in the organs of the scrotum, which often cause infertility.
• Doctors also recommend wearing a special bandage that fixes the scrotum in a stationary state - this helps speed up the healing process and relieve discomfort while walking.
• Despite the fact that most of the therapy is carried out at home, patients need bed rest, limitation of physical activity, rest and rest.
• Nutrition is also an important element of therapy.Men should give up fatty, spicy, fried and spicy foods, as well as alcohol and tobacco. The menu must be balanced, and the dishes are light, but high-calorie.

After the end of the course of treatment, the patient once again undergoes an examination and takes tests - this is the only way to detect the development of complications in time.

Surgical treatment

It should be noted right away that the treatment of inflammation of the epididymis in men with antibiotics is effective in most cases. Surgical intervention is resorted to only as a last resort (if medications and physiotherapy do not give the desired result, or an abscess forms in the tissues of the scrotum).

• An epididymectomy is a procedure that involves the removal of an inflamed area of the epididymis. The operation can be performed both on one side (for example, with inflammation of the epididymis of the left testicle or right), and on both sides.
• Occasionally, a vasectomy is performed - ligation of the vas deferens. This procedure helps prevent the further spread of pathogenic bacteria.

Traditional medicine recipes

Some home remedies can also be effective for conditions like epididymitis.

• A decoction of herbs helps to relieve the inflammatory process. To prepare, you need to mix equal amounts of corn silk, violet root and bearberry herb. A tablespoon of the herbal mixture should be brewed in a glass of boiling water. It is recommended to take two to three tablespoons three times a day.
• In addition, some herbalists recommend taking infusions or decoctions of rose hips, calamus root, celandine grass, anise seeds. Such medicines help to improve the functioning of the digestive tract, strengthen the immune system, relieve inflammation, and eliminate pain.
• In order to relieve pain, you need to use a different herbal mixture. It is necessary to mix equal amounts of juniper fruits, celandine and steelwort roots, chopped birch leaves and goose cinquefoil. Four tablespoons of the mixture are poured into a thermos and poured with a liter of boiling water. The medicine should be infused overnight, after which it can be filtered. It is recommended to drink a glass of infusion before meals. In order to improve the taste of tea, you can add a slice of lemon or a spoonful of honey to it.
• A mixture of lingonberry leaves, horsetail shoots and tansy flowers will help relieve discomfort (we take the components in equal amounts). Pour two tablespoons of herbs with a glass of boiling water, cover and insist for 30 minutes. After that, the infusion is ready for use. It is recommended to take the medicine at night, before going to bed.
• A mixture of elderflower, dried mint, calamus root, nettle leaves, juniper blossom, and linden blossom can be used to combat inflammation. You need to take a teaspoon of each ingredient, put it in a large thermos and pour two liters of boiling water. After the remedy is infused, it can be filtered and drunk instead of tea and other usual drinks.
• Vishnevsky's ointment will help relieve inflammation. A small amount is applied to a wet gauze bandage, which is then applied to the scrotum.

Of course, it is impossible to use such medicines without permission - home remedies can only be used with the permission of a doctor. It should be understood that such recipes only help speed up the recovery process, but are not able to replace full-fledged drug therapy.

Preventive measures

You already know why this disease develops and how to treat inflammation of the epididymis. However, sometimes it is much easier to try to prevent the disease than to worry about therapy later.

• As already mentioned, promiscuity is considered a risk factor. Therefore, experts recommend abandoning casual contacts. If sexual intercourse does take place, then we must not forget about the appropriate protective equipment.
• Do not forget about the rules of personal hygiene. By the way, for water procedures it is better to use hypoallergenic products. Experts also recommend wearing loose underwear made from natural fabrics.
• It is important to strengthen the immune system, since the inflammatory process is often associated with the activation of opportunistic microflora.
• All infectious and inflammatory diseases must necessarily respond to adequate therapy in time, since the presence of chronic foci increases the risk of developing epididymitis and a host of other diseases.

Of course, if symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor. You can not ignore the disease in the hope that it will go away on its own - this only increases the likelihood of acute inflammation turning into a chronic form, which is much more difficult to cope with.

Epididymitis

Inflammation of the epididymis

Epididymitis - inflammation of the epididymis - one of the most common inflammatory diseases of the male genitourinary system.A similar pathology can occur at any age, but men aged 25 to 40 are most susceptible to it. The inflammatory process develops, as a rule, only in one testicle.

The infectious nature of the disease prevails. Most often, the inflammatory process provokes pathogenic microflora, which is sexually transmitted. In most cases, a bacterial infection enters the epididymis from the urethra or bladder.

Disease classification

Depending on the causes that caused the development of the inflammatory process in the epididymis, the following types of epididymitis are distinguished:

The disease develops under the influence of an infectious agent that penetrates into the epididymis from the urethra, prostate or bladder through the vas deferens. Infection through the blood or lymph is much less common. Pathogenic microorganisms, mainly sexually transmitted, act as pathogens.

In this case, the inflammatory process develops as a complication of other pathologies of the genitourinary system - urethritis, prostatitis, etc.

This type of inflammation can occur as a result of trauma to various organs of the small pelvis.

According to the course of the disease, acute and chronic epididymitis are distinguished. In the acute form, signs of an inflammatory process, which is usually unilateral in nature, occur suddenly: body temperature rises to 38-39, severe pain is noted in the area of the affected testicle, redness and swelling appear in the scrotum.

The chronic form of the disease is often the result of an untreated acute inflammatory process, and can also develop against the background of advanced sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis. In some cases, a chronic inflammatory process is one of the complications of a serious trauma to the genital organs. In this case, the signs of the disease are slightly expressed, the only manifestations are slight soreness, as well as moderate compaction and an increase in the epididymis.

Causes and symptoms of epididymitis

The main cause of inflammation in the epididymis is a bacterial infection that enters it from the urethra, prostate or bladder. In men under the age of 40, the inflammatory process often accompanies sexually transmitted diseases.

Problems with urination, for example, with prostate adenoma, can also lead to the development of inflammation of the epididymis. In this case, with retention of urine and its prolonged accumulation in the bladder, it may enter the reverse current into the appendages.

Predisposing factors include:

• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Use of urethral catheters
• Tuberculosis
• Other inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system (urethritis, vesiculitis, prostatitis)

The symptoms of epididymitis are not always pronounced, but it is important to remember that it is at an early stage that the disease is best treated. The following symptoms should not be ignored:

• Pain and discomfort in the testicles, aggravated by bowel movements
• Condensation and enlargement of the epididymis
• Pain during urination, ejaculation, and sexual intercourse
• Swelling and redness of the scrotum
• Slight fever, chills
• Presence of blood in semen

Dangerous consequences

The lack of timely and effective treatment of the acute form of the disease provokes its transition to the chronic form. This, in turn, causes dystrophic and sclerotic changes in the epididymis, contributes to impaired patency of the vas deferens and, as a result, leads to male infertility.

In addition, delaying a visit to the doctor with obvious symptoms of the disease can lead to an abscess of the scrotum, when surgical intervention can no longer be avoided. The most formidable complication of the disease is the penetration of infection into the blood with the development of sepsis.

How to treat epididymitis?

Modern methods and methods of diagnostics make it possible to establish a diagnosis at the earliest stage of the disease. Therefore, a timely visit to the doctor significantly increases the chances of a favorable outcome.

The patient will have to pass the necessary tests and undergo various studies, after which he will be prescribed the most effective treatment.