The epididymis is a series of small tubes attached to the back of each testicle that collects and stores sperm. One of the most common causes of scrotal pain is epididymitis, an infection and subsequent inflammation of these coiled tubes. Epididymo-orchitis occurs when the infection spreads to include the testicle.
Epididymitis is usually a secondary bacterial infection triggered by a range of conditions, such as urinary tract infections or sexually transmissible infections (STIs). The bacteria in the urethra (the tube that allows the exit of urine and sperm from the penis) simply backtrack through the urinary and reproductive structures to the epididymis.
Epididymitis may be acute or chronic. The chronic type is usually non bacterial epididymitis meaning an inflammation of the epididymis not caused by a bacteria. The symptoms come on gradually. The causes are many and include viruses, trauma, and unknown causes. Acute epididymitis includes symptoms that usually come on suddenly and more severely.
The symptoms of epididymitis include:
- slight fever, chills,
- heaviness in testicle,
- enlargement of testicle,
- abdominal pain
- pelvic pain, urge to urinate, burning sensation, discharge from penis, blood in urine and painful ejaculation.
Potenial causes
- Urinary tract infections
- STI
- Genitor urinary surgery
- Urinary catheters
- Congenital kidney and bladder problems
Self-Care suggestions
- Do not drink beverages that contain caffeine
- Prevent constipation, you should use 2 litres of water daily with 1 teaspoon psyllium husks on cereal daily.
- Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole foods with laxative properties
- Strenuous activity should be avoided until symptoms disappear.
- Sexual activity should not be resumed until a month after symptoms disappear.
- Take 5000mg garlic daily
McDowells Treatment
Mainstream treatment options include antibiotics and bed rest.
Our support mix includes Wild Yam, Saw Palmetto, Echinacea, Golden Seal, Buchu and Liquorice, along with the Bach Flower Remedies:- Clematis, Hornbeam and Wild Oat.
This mix clears the infective processes most likely to be involved in epididimytis.
