Patient's question:
This situation has been going on for a while. I always feel like there's something inside my testicles, and they are also red and swollen. However, because it's a sensitive area, I haven't been comfortable going to the doctor. I did some research and think it might be testicular inflammation. Could you please tell me how to treat epididymitis?Doctor's answer:
In clinical diagnosis, epididymitis is divided into two major categories: acute epididymitis and chronic epididymitis. Acute epididymitis occurs rapidly and manifests as a heavy, uncomfortable swelling in the affected scrotum, severe local pain, and even interference with urination. The pain can radiate to the ipsilateral groin area and lower abdomen, accompanied by general malaise and high fever. Orchitis is often caused by bacterial infection of the testes, with retrograde transmission being the primary route. It frequently occurs in patients with lower urinary tract infections, prostatitis, post-urethral surgery, or those with long-term indwelling catheters, leading to epididymo-orchitis. It can also spread hematogenously to the testes, resulting in isolated orchitis. The causative pathogens are commonly Escherichia coli, Proteus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.