Epididymitis

What is epididymitis?

Among the pathologies of the male genital system, epididymitis is classified among the "scrotal disorders": although it is a rather sporadic condition, it must not be forgotten, since, as we will see during the discussion, epididymitis could degenerate, therefore create serious complications.
The term epididymitis it consists of a suffix –ite, a Greek ending that indicates an inflammatory process: the prefix refers to the "epididymis, that thin, long and twisted duct on itself, which joins each testicle to its own vas deferens. The" epididymitis therefore indicates a " inflammation of the epididymis.

Causes

Most of the time, the cause responsible for epididymitis goes back to a "bacterial infection, but it is not uncommon for one status aseptic the patient complains of an "inflammation of the epididymis".

Generally, the "epididymitis caused by a" bacterial infiltration (especially E. coli) follows other predisposing disorders, such as bacterial prostatitis or urethritis: strictly speaking, it is clear how this chain of events can aggravate the pre-existing condition. In the case of bacterial prostatitis, the occurrence of epididymitis increases even more when an energetic prostatic massage is performed, guilty of the retrograde pouring of the infected fluids through the vas deferens.
The reflux of urine inside the epididymis is the most frequent cause of chemical epididymitis, generated by extreme physical exertion, weight lifting or other sports carried to excess.
Other causes responsible for epididymitis reside in venereal diseases, such as. for example, chlamydia and gonorrhea; however, fungal infections (eg. Candida albicans) are only rarely linked to the manifestation of epididymitis.
Furthermore, some interventions on the male genital-urinary system (eg prostectomy, catheters, etc.) can be a contributing cause of epididymitis.
Even renal and bladder dysfunctions could be in some way related to epididymitis: just think of tuberculous infections, particularly alarming pathologies: in similar situations, when the kidneys are affected, pathogenic microorganisms tend to spread through the urinary tract, up to near the posterior urethra and bladder, and then expand to the prostatic level, the vas deferens, the epididymis and the testicles.
Epididymitis may be a consequence of the administration of some pharmacological specialties, including Amiodarone, a drug used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia: among the possible side effects there is also inflammation at the level of the epididymis, which can be cured. in this case, modulating the dosage of the drug or suspending its treatment.In such circumstances, it is however necessary to inform the doctor.

Causes predisposing to epididymitis

Bacterial prostatitis / urethritis → bacterial infiltration → inflammation of the epididymis
Bacterial prostatitis → energetic prostate massage → retrograde pouring of infected fluids through the vas deferens → epididymitis
Extreme physical exertion, weight lifting → reflux of urine inside the epididymis → chemical epididymitis
Chlamydia and gonorrhea → inflammation of the epididymis
Tuberculous infections → pathogenic microorganisms tend to spread via the urinary tract → epididymitis
Administration of some pharmacological specialties → side effect: epididymitis

Incidence

From the analysis of the causal factors predisposing epididymitis, it is clear that the condition, in some cases, is sexually transmitted, in others it is due to other factors, independently of venereal transmission.

STIs are estimated to be the most frequent causes of epididymitis among sexually active young people; among the risk factors there is the lack of "adequate sexual education: some very young sexually active, but still inexperienced, tend to constantly change partners and to consume intercourse recklessly, without using a condom. It is clear that the aforementioned sexual behavior is at risk. for the transmission of venereal diseases, including epididymitis.
Medical statistics show that the elderly and homosexuals represent the male categories most prone to epididymitis generated by bacterial infections of a nature not sexual: in such situations, the pathological condition is predisposed above all by surgical interventions (catheter or uroscopy) and by "prostate enlargement (the stagnation of urine in the bladder favors bacterial infiltration). Even a lack of circumcision, sometimes, could favor the "epididymitis, as the likelihood of bacterial infections is enormously increased as a result of inadequate intimate hygiene.