Introduction
The epididymis lies on top of the testis and consists of the closely wound epididymal duct, which can be several meters long. Functionally, they are responsible for the motility of the sperm. An inflammation of this structure, also called epididymitis, can lead to severe pain and increasing swelling of the epididymis.
Cystitis as a cause of epididymitis
Bladder infections in men are associated with the risk that pathogens are carried into other parts of the urogenital tract and lead to further inflammation. This is particularly the case with recurrent, recurrent urinary tract infections. The main risk factor for recurrent urinary tract infections is the presence of residual urine: urine that remains in the bladder after urination.
This is caused, for example, by enlargement hyperplasia of the prostate. However, residual urine can also be observed in younger patients as part of congenital narrowing of the urinary tract. The main bacterial pathogens in this case are E. coli, Pseudomonas, Klebsiellen or Proteus mirabilis.
Clinically, the main symptoms of cystitis are pain during urination, frequent urination and the feeling of residual urine. Do you have pain while urinating? However, residual urine can also be observed in younger patients as part of congenital narrowing of the urinary tract.
The main bacterial pathogens in this case are E. coli, Pseudomonas, Klebsiellen or Proteus mirabilis. Clinically, the main symptoms of cystitis are pain during urination, frequent urination and the feeling of residual urine. Do you have pain while urinating?
Testicular inflammation as a cause of epididymitis
Also an inflammation of the testicles (orchitis) can lead to an involvement of the epididymis due to the ascending bacteria along the spermatic cord. Clinically, these two forms are difficult to distinguish from each other as they cause identical symptoms with swelling of the testes and pain. In the case of a combined inflammation one speaks of an epididymal moorchitis.
In addition to infectious causes, an autoimmune reaction, trauma or side effects of medication, such as amiodarone, may also occur. In the diagnosis of testicular inflammation, testicular torsion must be ruled out as soon as possible, as it can lead to the death of the testis with subsequent infertility. The treatment of testicular inflammation consists of an adequate antibiotic and pain-relieving therapy as well as local cooling and elevation of the scrotum and strict bed rest. Due to the risk of an ascending infection of the urinary tract, regular urological check-ups should be performed.
