Patient's question:
Hello expert! I am just 28 years old this year, married for two years, but still have no children. During a physical examination, I was diagnosed with epididymitis. At that time, the doctor told me that this condition was very likely the culprit for my infertility. However, the location of this disease is quite awkward, so I have never undergone any treatment for it. Could you please tell me what negative effects epididymitis can have?Doctor's answer:
Hello! First of all, we would like to thank you for your trust in Ningbo Ou & Ya Urology Hospital! What you previously learned is correct—the greatest harm of epididymitis is that it can lead to male infertility. Epididymitis is often caused by retrograde infection of the epididymis through the vas deferens from prostatitis or seminal vesiculitis, with hematogenous infection being rare. It is divided into acute epididymitis and chronic epididymitis. The scrotum often experiences pain, swelling, and a heavy sensation, with the pain potentially radiating to the lower abdomen and the same-side thigh. The affected epididymis becomes enlarged, with mild tenderness, and is clearly distinct from the testis. The scrotal skin may become edematous and red. Accompanying symptoms include thickening of the spermatic cord and vas deferens, hardening of the prostate with fibrous nodules, and other chronic prostatitis manifestations. Bilateral chronic epididymitis can cause infertility. Therefore, we recommend that you first come to our Reproductive Infection Department for some relevant examinations to determine the cause of your condition, and then receive symptomatic treatment based on the identified cause.