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Epididymitis Specialists

Associated Urologists of North Carolina -  - Urology

Associated Urologists of North Carolina

Urologists located in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Clinton, Dunn, Raleigh & Wake Forest, NC

Fortunately, even with epididymitis, you can protect your reproductive health and find relief from your pain with the right individualized medical care. At the Associated Urologists of North Carolina, the friendly medical experts have extensive experience diagnosing and treating epididymitis to protect the male reproductive system at seven offices in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Clinton, Dunn, Raleigh, or Wake Forest, North Carolina. If you have symptoms or concerns, don’t wait. Take charge of your health and call the Associated Urologists of North Carolina or book an appointment through the online scheduling system.

Epididymitis Q & A

What is Epididymitis?

Epididymitis refers to inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube at the back of the testicle, which stores and carries sperm.

Men can get epididymitis at any age.

What are the Symptoms of Epididymitis?

Epididymitis symptoms include:

  • A red, warm, or swollen scrotum
  • Testicle tenderness and pain
  • Painful or frequent urination
  • The urgent need to urinate
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Discomfort or pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal area
  • Blood in the semen
  • Fever in more rare instances

 

If epididymitis is recurring or lasts longer than six weeks, it’s considered chronic.

If you notice any scrotal pain or swelling of the area, you should visit the Associated Urologists of North Carolina. If your scrotal pain is severe, you might need to visit the emergency room of your local hospital.

What Causes Epididymitis?

Epididymitis might be caused by:

  • Sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia
  • Other infections, such as bacterial, viral, urinary tract, or prostate infections
  • Urine that flows backward into the epididymis
  • Trauma, such as a groin injury
  • Tuberculosis infection

 

Some sexual behaviors can lead to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and increase your risk of developing epididymitis, such as having intercourse with a partner who has an STI.

Other factors that might increase your risk of developing epididymitis include:

  • History of prostate or urinary tract infections
  • History of medical procedures affecting the urinary tract
  • An uncircumcised penis
  • Anatomical abnormality of the urinary tract

 

Without proper care, epididymitis can lead to certain complications, such as an abscess in the scrotum and reduced fertility. Epididymitis can spread to the testicle.

How is Epididymitis Diagnosed?

Your provider checks for an enlarged testicle on the affected side and enlarged lymph nodes in your groin area. Your provider might also perform a rectal examination to look for prostate tenderness or enlargement.

Your provider might recommend certain testing, such as an STI screening, blood and urine testing, or an ultrasound.

How is Epididymitis Treated?

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial epididymitis. If the cause of the bacterial infection is an STI, your sexual partner should be treated as well.

You can also rest and support the scrotum with a special athletic strap. Taking pain medication and applying ice packs can also provide relief.

Surgery might be necessary in some cases — for example, if an abscess has formed or underlying physical abnormalities are causing the epididymitis. In some cases, part or all of the epididymis needs to be surgically removed (epididymectomy).

You can depend on the Associated Urologists of North Carolina for top quality medical care. Call or book an appointment online today.