|
Epididymitis
OVERVIEW: Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, an elongated structure attached to the testicle. This condition causes pain of the scrotum, swelling and hardening of the epididymis, and eventually the formation of a fluid-filled cavity.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: • Scrotal pain, sometimes extending to the groin region
• Urethral discharge
• Symptoms of urinary tract infection: frequent urination, painful urination, cloudy urine, or blood in the urine
• A swollen, firm mass within the scrotum
• Swelling of the scrotum
• Fever and chills occur with severe infection and abscess formation.
CAUSES: • Infection (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, other bacteria)
• Urinary tract obstruction
• Inflammation
• Birth defect
SCOPE: Epididymitis is common in the United States.
MOST OFTEN AFFECTED: Epididymitis primarily affects younger, sexually active men or older men with urinary infection, but it may also rarely occur in prepubertal boys.
RISK FACTORS: • Urinary tract infection
• Use of urinary catheter
• Urethral instrumentation or surgery
• Urethral scarring
DIAGNOSIS PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: The Physician will perform a physical examination to identify causes of scrotal pain, such as testicular torsion, mumps, or trauma.
TESTS AND PROCEDURES: • Urinalysis and culture
• Ultrasound may be used to evaluate the scrotum.
TREATMENT GENERAL MEASURES: • Epididymitis is usually managed on an outpatient basis.
• Hospitalization may be required for severe infection or surgery.
• Elevate the scrotum.
• Apply a cold pack to the affected area.
• Local anesthetic may be used in severe cases.
• Surgery may be required.
ACTIVITY: Bed rest for minimum of 1 to 2 days
DIET: No restrictions, but drink large amounts of fluids.
MEDICATIONS COMMONLY PRESCRIBED DRUGS: • Antibiotics: doxycycline, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ceftriaxone, gentamicin
• Pain relievers: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., naproxen or ibuprofen), acetaminophen-codeine, oxycodone-acetaminophen
CONTRAINDICATIONS: None
PRECAUTIONS: Read drug product information.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Read drug product information.
Other Drugs: N/A
FOLLOW UP PATIENT MONITORING: The Physician should be seen often until all signs of infection have cleared.
PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE: • Vasectomy
• Antibiotics
• Early treatment
• Avoid vigorous rectal examination
COMPLICATIONS: • Antibiotics: doxycycline, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ceftriaxone, gentamicin
• Pain relievers: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., naproxen or ibuprofen), acetaminophen-codeine, oxycodone-acetaminophen
WHAT TO EXPECT: • Pain improves within 1 to 3 days, but it may take several weeks or months to completely resolve.
• Sterility may result.
MISCELLANEOUS OTHER FACTORS: N/A
PEDIATRIC: N/A
GERIATRIC: Diabetic patients with nerve disease may have little pain despite severe infection.
OTHERS: N/A
PREGNANCY: N/A
(see
images)
Want to discuss this term? Visit
our forum or our chat
room.
SEE ALSO (Enter the keywords below
into our search box or click on the link):
n/a
|
IE 5.0