If you experience pain and swelling in your testicles, it is understandable that you are worried. This could be epididymitis, an inflammation of the duct connected to the testicles. Although this condition often depends on a sexually transmitted infection, it can usually be treated with a course of antibiotics. However, if you have pain, tenderness, or swelling in the scrotum area, you should see your doctor.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing the Most Common Symptoms
Step 1. Find out if the pain comes from one testicle
In the case of epididymitis, the pain always starts on one side of the scrotum rather than both at the same time. Over time, it may slowly radiate to the second testicle. Typically, it is felt first on the underside, although it tends to spread throughout the testicle.
- The type of pain depends on the degree of inflammation of the epididymis. It can be sharp or burning.
- If it occurs rapidly in both testicles, it is likely not epididymitis. However, you should see a doctor.
Step 2. Look for swelling or redness in the infected testicle
It may be located on only one side or, over time, spread to both sides of the scrotum. Additionally, you may feel that your testicle is warmer than usual and feel uncomfortable when you sit down due to swelling.
- The testicle becomes red due to increased blood circulation in the area and swells from excessive fluid production in the infected area.
- You may also notice the appearance of a fluid-filled lump on the infected testicle.
Step 3. Note the symptoms related to the urinary tract
If you have epididymitis, you may experience pain when urinating, but also go to the bathroom more often or more urgently.
- Additionally, you may notice traces of blood in your urine.
- Epididymitis often results from an infection that starts in the urethra and radiates into the duct connected to the testes, infecting the epididymis. Any infection in the urinary tract can irritate the bladder, causing pain.
Step 4. Notice for urethral discharge
Sometimes a clear, white or yellow discharge may appear on the tip of the penis due to inflammation and infection of the urinary tract. This symptom very often indicates that the infection was caused by a sexually transmitted disease.
Do not worry. Again, you can safely take care of yourself
Step 5. Measure your body temperature to see if you have a fever
Since inflammation and infection spread throughout the body, the temperature could rise and be accompanied by chills as a defense mechanism.
Fever is the body's way of fighting infections. If it exceeds 38 ° C, it means that you need to be examined
Step 6. Make a note of how long you have been experiencing symptoms
For less than six weeks, it could be acute epididymitis. Beyond six weeks, symptoms are indicative of a chronic infection. Let the doctor know how long you have been suffering from it, as this may affect the treatment.
Part 2 of 4: Assessing Possible Risk Factors
Step 1. Think about whether you have recently had unprotected sex
This inflammation could develop as a result of a sexually transmitted infection, so having unsafe sex, especially with multiple partners, puts you at risk for epididymitis. If you have recently had unprotected sex and are experiencing symptoms, it is plausible to think that they are related to this pathological condition.
- Use a latex or nitrile condom every time you have sex, even without penetration. You need to protect yourself, whether you have oral, anal or vaginal sex.
- Epididymitis is commonly caused by sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and certain bacteria transmitted during anal sex.
Step 2. Review your medical history, including surgery and catheter use
Frequent use of the catheter can promote epididymitis and the onset of urinary tract infections. An operation in the groin area can also cause this inflammation, so consult your doctor if you think your problem may be due to any of these causes.
- Prostatic hypertrophy, fungal infections and the use of amiodarone can also promote this pathological condition.
- Chronic epididymitis is commonly associated with granulomatous reactions such as tuberculosis.
Step 3. Consider if you have suffered any trauma in the escort area lately
Trauma to the groin (such as a kick or knee) can promote inflammation of the epididymis. If you recently got injured in this area and unambiguous symptoms have appeared, you may be suffering from epididymitis.
Step 4. Keep in mind that the cause may also be unknown
Even if there are rarer etiological factors, such as tuberculosis or mumps, it is not certain that the doctor will be able to trace the cause. Sometimes, this inflammation develops for no obvious reason.
Whether the problem has a known cause or not, remember that your doctor isn't there to judge you, they just want to help you heal
Part 3 of 4: Get Visited
Step 1. See your doctor if you have any symptoms
Regardless of whether it is epididymitis, you should still be examined if you experience pain, swelling, redness or tenderness in your testicles and if you have problems urinating.
- See him as soon as you start to show symptoms.
- Be prepared to talk about the most recent medical history, but also about your sex life. Be honest because it is the only way you can put your doctor in a position to treat you properly. Keep in mind that anyone can suffer from these problems.
Step 2. Prepare for the physical exam
The doctor will want to check the groin area and feel the inflamed testicles. While it can be embarrassing, it is necessary for diagnosis. If you feel a little anxious, know that you are not the only one because many people feel uncomfortable in this kind of situation.
- Your doctor will also check for swelling in the back area for possible signs of kidney or bladder infection that could be contributing to the cause of your condition. He might also collect a urine sample.
- You may also want to have a rectal examination to check your prostate.
Step 3. Expect me to prescribe a test for sexually transmitted diseases
Since this inflammatory process can be caused by a sexually transmitted disease, the doctor will want to perform a more specific examination. Typically, providing a urine sample is sufficient, but also taking a urine sample from the penis with a swab.
Although possible discomfort, it is usually not a painful procedure
Step 4. Prepare for blood tests
Your doctor will likely also order blood tests to identify any abnormalities that may be causing the infection. Through this examination it could also trace the bacterial strains.
Step 5. Ask if you need an ultrasound
It will allow the doctor to determine if the problem is due to epididymitis or testicular torsion. In younger people it is more difficult to make this distinction without an ultrasound.
During the exam, the sonographer passes a sensor over the affected area in order to take a series of frames. If the blood circulation is low, it means that it is a testicular torsion. If it's high, it's epididymitis
Part 4 of 4: Treating the Infection
Step 1. Expect a prescription for antibiotics
Epididymitis is treated by considering the cause of the inflammation. In most cases, this is an infection, so your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. The choice of drug varies depending on whether the infection is caused by a sexually transmitted disease or not.
- For gonorrhea and chlamydial infections, a single dose of ceftriaxone (250 mg) by injection is usually prescribed, followed by 100 mg of doxycycline tablets, twice daily for 10 days.
- In some cases, doxycycline can be replaced with 500 mg of levofloxacin, once a day for 10 days, or 300 mg of ofloxacin, twice a day for 10 days.
- If the infection is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, you and your partner will both need to undergo a full course of antibiotics before you can start having full sex again.
- If the infection is not caused by a sexually transmitted disease, you could simply take levofloxacin or ofloxacin without the ceftriaxone.
Step 2. Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen
You can use it to reduce pain and inflammation. You probably already have this drug in your medicine cabinet. It is quite effective. However, self-medication with analgesics, including ibuprofen, should not last more than 10 days. See your doctor again if pain persists beyond this time.
For ibuprofen, take 200 mg every 4-6 hours to reduce pain and inflammation. If necessary, you can increase the dose to 400 mg
Step 3. Lie down and rest with your groin area elevated
Staying in bed for a few days will help you manage the pain associated with the disorder. As long as you stay in bed, your groin will not be subjected to unnecessary stress and the pain will gradually subside. Keep your testicles elevated as often as possible to keep symptoms at bay.
When lying down or sitting down, place a towel or rolled shirt under your scrotum to try to reduce discomfort
Step 4. Use a cold pack
By applying cold compresses to the scrotum, you will reduce the inflammation and also the blood supply. Wrap some ice in a towel and place it on the scrotum. Keep it for about 30 minutes, but no longer to avoid skin breakdown.
Never place ice directly on the skin. It could cause problems, especially in such a delicate area
Step 5. Soak the affected area
Fill the bathtub with 30-35cm of hot water and soak for about 30 minutes. The heat increases the blood supply and helps the body fight the infection. You can do this as often as you see fit.
This treatment is especially effective in cases of chronic epididymitis
Advice
- Wear proper support. An athletic jockstrap provides excellent scrotum support and reduces pain. Generally, boxers hold less than briefs.
- Epididymitis divided into two forms: acute and chronic. The first triggers symptoms that last less than 6 weeks, while the second involves symptoms that last more than 6 weeks.
