Epididymitis, an inflammation caused in the epididymis, affects children as well as adults, in males. This tube is located behind the testicles that carries the sperm and stores them. Swelling of the tube may cause pain in the testicles. Although men of all ages are prone to the syndrome, it is most common in people aged between 14 and 35. The reason behind the swelling is an infection caused by bacteria and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Usually, the doctors prescribe antibiotics to cure the problem.
The length of epididymitis may last for a few weeks to a maximum of six weeks. In case of acute epididymitis, the swelling also affects the testicles. This is known as epididymo-orchitis. In these cases, both the epididymis and testicles are inflamed. The most common causes of this swelling are chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Chronic epididymitis may last for more than six weeks. The symptoms of this syndrome include pain in the testicles or scrotum. Granulomatous reactions may lead to this condition, which may lead to calcifications or cysts.
Symptoms of Epididymitis
At the outset, the symptoms are mild and need timely attention. In case it is left untreated, the pain intensifies and the condition worsens. People suffering from the problem may suffer from chills, low grade fever, pain in the pelvic zone, tenderness of the testicles, pain in the testes, pressure in the testes, and a lot of other complications. They may also experience pain during ejaculation, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and urinations. These can be accompanied by blood in semen, abnormal penile discharge, frequent urination and enlarged nodes in the lymph in the groin region. The scrotum becomes reddened and warm, and the person suffers from a lot of discomfort.
Who is at risk of suffering from epididymitis?
As epididymitis is a sexually transmitted disease, it is transmitted in adults through sexual activities. However, it occurs in children too, being transmitted through prostate infection and urinary tract infection. Besides, people who are uncircumcised or have unprotected sex are prone to the infection. In case the kids have structural issues in the urinary tract, it may lead to epididymitis. Children undergoing surgeries in the urinary track are also prone to the infection. A groin injury may also lead to this condition. Other reasons leading to epididymitis in include tuberculosis, elongated prostate that blocks the bladder. It is necessary to seek proper medical attention in case you are suffering from the infection.
Risk of Epididymitis in Children
Children suffering from epididymitis are at a risk and need timely treatment. Although the inflammation can have a different cause, it may affect them as well. It might leave them in trauma and spread to the other regions, causing further complications. It may also cause reflux of urine into the epididymis and twisting of the epididymitis. This might result in severe pain.
In case you find that your child is suffering from discomfort in the lower abdominal region or pelvis, it might be the result of epididymitis. It also causes unusual discharges. The treatment process is determined according to the cause of the problem. After diagnosis, the doctors come up with the necessary treatment process.
Diagnosis and treatment of epididymitis
At the outset, the doctor completes the physical examination, examining the swelling, lymph nodes and abnormal discharges. In case of discharges, they are tested for STIs. The physicians may conduct a rectal examination, which can detect whether the problem has been caused due to the enlargement of the prostate. Blood tests like the CBC are also used to determine the cause of the infection. Urine samples are collected in the process, which enables them to identify the cause of the inflammation. A testicular ultrasound may also be necessary to detect the conditions of the tissues around the testicles.
The most common treatment for epididymitis is antibiotics, which is prescribed for four to six weeks. The doctors often recommend doxycycline and ciprofloxacin in these conditions. Besides, pain medication is also available for treating these conditions, although this is an over-the-counter process. Other treatments include elevating the scrotum for a couple of days, applying cold packs in the area, avoiding the lifting of heavy things and wearing of athletic cup to support the testicles. Timely treatment ensures a quick-healing of the infection.
References:
http://www.innerbody.com/diseases-conditions/epididymitis
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/436154-treatment
