Acute epididymitis

 Acute epididymitis

Acute epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis causing pain and swelling that develops over the course of a few days and lasts <6 weeks. It is usually unilateral.To get more news about epididymitis and scrotal pain, you can visit our official website.

In sexually active men, epididymitis is most commonly caused by sexually transmitted organisms including Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium.

In older men, the causative organisms are often enteric pathogens, and epididymitis may be associated with bladder outlet obstruction, recent instrumentation of the urinary tract, or systemic illness.

Diagnostic tests include a Gram stain of urethral secretions, and urine specimens for nucleic acid amplification tests for C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae, and M genitalium (where available). Urine microscopy and culture is also indicated if urinary pathogens are suspected.

Treatment relies on supportive measures, including bed rest, scrotal elevation, and analgesics, in conjunction with empiric antibiotic therapy based on the patient's age, and clinical and sexual history.

If C trachomatis, N gonorrhoeae, or M genitalium are the confirmed or suspected pathogens, evaluation and treatment of the patients’ sexual partner(s) is essential to prevent reinfection and ongoing transmission.Acute epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis characterized by scrotal pain and swelling of less than 6 weeks' duration.[1] It may be associated with irritative lower urinary tract symptoms, urethral discharge, and fever. It is usually unilateral. The condition is referred to as acute epididymo-orchitis if concurrent inflammation of the testis is present. The acute presentation of epididymitis will be covered.
Treatment usually involves antibiotics, painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication. Full recovery can occur in just a few days.

Untreated, epididymitis can progress to an abscess that will eventually require surgical drainage.“An abscess can be very threatening and cause sepsis or other major problems,” Dr. Buchinsky says. “But if you treat epididymitis without delay with the appropriate antibiotics, there should be no long-term problems.”