The inflammation of the epididymis is also called epididymitis. It occurs mainly in adults, especially in patients with permanent catheters. In rare cases, children under 14 years of age may also be affected.
An acute form of epididymitis can be distinguished from a chronic form. The acute inflammation is the most common disease of the epididymis and is an emergency of urology which requires immediate treatment. The chronic form can develop from an acute inflammation and lasts at least 6 weeks. If the testicle is also affected by the inflammation, it is called epididymal moorchitis.
Causes
Most often, epididymitis is caused by ascending bacteria from an existing urinary tract infection or inflammation of the prostate. Epididymitis can be observed especially in the case of permanent catheter users or if the prostate has been removed (prostatectomy). Typical pathogens in sexually active young men are mainly chlamydia or gonococcus, which are transmitted during sexual intercourse.
In older patients over 35 years of age, the triggers are mainly gram-negative germs (Escherichia coli, Klebsiellen, staphylococci). But not only bacteria can cause epididymitis. Fungi or viruses can also lead to inflammation.
In very rare cases, tuberculosis can also be the cause of the inflammation of the epididymis. But also manipulation of the prostate, for example by a biopsy and other interventions in the area of the urinary tract can promote the development of the epididymitis. or under biopsy If an inflammation of the epididymis is detected in childhood before the beginning of puberty, a malformation of the urinary tract must always be excluded, as this is a common cause.
For example, this could be an existing urethral valve which closes the urethra. Residual urine then accumulates in the bladder, which can cause an ascending infection and thus also an epididymitis. Another malformation would be a wrong orifice of the ureter (ureter).
Instead of the bladder, the ureter can flow into the seminal ducts of the man. Up to puberty the boys cannot show any symptoms, after that recurring inflammations of the epididymis or prostate usually develop. as well as What are the consequences of a Chlamydia infection?
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