Patient's question:
For a while now, my testicles have been slightly swollen with a dull ache. Recently, they've started to hurt more, especially when touched, and it feels particularly intense. It seems there's also some swelling on the other side. I'm very concerned. Could you please advise on the best treatment for epididymitis?Doctor's answer:
Epididymitis is a common disease among male genital infections, predominantly affecting middle-aged and young adults. Since the causative bacteria are gram-negative bacilli and gram-positive cocci, it is also referred to as non-specific epididymitis. The pathogenic bacteria rarely spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, often occurring secondary to prostatitis, seminal vesiculitis, or urethritis. The inflammation is typically unilateral. It needs to be differentiated from epididymal tuberculosis and filariasis. The former is characterized by early inflammation confined to the tail of the epididymis, with later loss of demarcation between the epididymis and testis, adhesion of the skin to the epididymis, and even recurrent sinus formation. The latter involves thickening of the scrotal skin, and microfilariae can be detected in blood samples taken at night. The treatment of this condition often yields unsatisfactory results if only general anti-inflammatory therapy is used.