Definition
The inguinal canal contains some blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves, in men the spermatic cord and in women the round uterine ligament, which belongs to the attachment apparatus of the uterus and extends to the labia majora. Inflammation of the inguinal canal in men is usually due to inflammation originating in the testicles, epididymis or prostate gland and spreading along the spermatic duct.
Causes
If the testicle or the epididymis becomes inflamed, the inflammation can spread via the spermatic duct further into the inguinal canal. An inflammation of the testes/epidididymis occurs in connection with inflammation of the urinary tract, sexually transmitted diseases or also in the context of an infection with the mumps virus. Especially men who have already gone through puberty suffer from testicular inflammation during mumps disease.
Autoimmune reactions or the intake of the antiarrhythmic drug amiodarone can also lead to inflammation of the testicles and/or epididymis. Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can spread to the spermatic duct in the inguinal canal, often occurs during micturition disorders or after manipulation or surgery on the urinary tract. However, pain in the inguinal canal is also often caused by inflammation in neighbouring regions of the body, such as the internal and external genitals, the rectum or the legs.
These removed inflammatory processes lead to swelling of the lymph nodes in the inguinal canal. Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can spread to the spermatic duct in the inguinal canal, often occurs in cases of micturition disorders or after manipulations or operations on the urinary tract. However, pain in the inguinal canal is also often caused by inflammation in neighbouring regions of the body, such as the internal and external genitals, the rectum or the legs. These removed inflammatory processes lead to swelling of the lymph nodes in the inguinal canal.
Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis, the doctor performs a physical examination. This also includes an examination of the rectal outlet including the rectum, which enables the examiner to palpate an inflamed prostate. In addition, a urine and blood sample are examined for signs of inflammation. A urine culture and a smear of the urethra can help to identify the pathogen. An ultrasound examination of the scrotum can also be used to confirm the diagnosis.
