how does the epididymis become infected course hero

by Derrick Kovacek 8 min read

Full Answer

How Is Epididymitis Diagnosed?from emedicinehealth.com

A health care practitioner will take a detailed history (including a sexual history), collect a urine sample, and perform a physical examination, including a prostate exam.

What Is the Treatment for Epididymitis?from emedicinehealth.com

The health care practitioner likely will treat the individual with antibiotics through an IV, a shot, or pills orally (to be taken for 10 days or longer). Often the treatment depends on the identity of the infecting bacteria; many physicians elect to treat with at least two different antibiotics because individuals are occasionally infected with more than one organism.

What is it called when you have a testis that is not growing?from healthjade.com

This is a condition called acquired undescended testes, or acquired cryptorchidism, which can happen between one and 10 years of age. It is thought to be caused by the spermatic cords that attach each testis to the body not growing at the same pace as the rest of the body.

Why is it important to treat an undescended testicle?from healthjade.com

Treatment is necessary for several reasons: Being up in the body means the undescended testicle is at a higher temperature than usual (testicles need to be below regular body temperature to produce sperm). The higher temperature may harm the testicle’s development and its ability to make sperm in the future.

How long does it take for testicles to drop?from urologyhealth.org

Luckily, about half of these testicles will drop on their own during the first 3 months of life. But testicles won't drop on their own after 3 months of age. Thus, about 1 or 2 out of 100 boys with undescended testicles will need treatment.

What is an undescended testicle?from urologyhealth.org

An undescended testicle (or " testis") is when it fails to drop into the normal place in the scrotum. Your child's health care provider can find this during a routine exam. This issue is found in about 3 or 4 out of 100 newborns (and up to 21 out of 100 premature newborns). Luckily, about half of these testicles will drop on their own during ...

How do you know if you have cryptorchidism?from healthjade.com

Doctors usually diagnose cryptorchidism during a physical exam at birth or at a checkup shortly after. Most undescended testicles can be located or “palpated” on exam by the doctor. In a few boys, the testicle may not be where it can be located or palpated, and may appear to be missing.

How do pathogenic microorganisms reach the epididymis?

The pathogenic microorganisms usually reach the epididymis by ascending the vasa deferentia from an already infected urethra or bladder. Of the selections available, this is the only option that accurately describes how the epididymis becomes infected.

Which microorganisms are attached to sperm that travel through the genital tract?

b. The pathogenic microorganisms are attached to sperm that travel through the genital tract.

How much more likely is testicular cancer in men with cryptorchidism?

The risk of testicular cancer is 35 to 50 times greater in men with cryptorchidism or in those with a history of cryptorchidism than it is for the general male population. This is not true of the other options.

What is the condition of the tunica albuginea of the penis?

Peyronie disease. ANS: D. Peyronie disease (bent nail syndrome) is a fibrotic condition of the tunica albuginea of the penis, resulting in varying degrees of curvature and sexual dysfunction (see Figure 25-2).

What are the symptoms of prostatitis?

Bacterial prostatitis can exhibit common manifestations that include a sudden onset of malaise, low back and perineal pain, high fever (up to 40° C [104° F]), and chills, as well as dysuria, inability to empty the bladder, nocturia, and urinary retention. Myalgia and arthralgia also may occur.

What is the first sign of puberty?

The first sign of puberty in boys is an enlargement of the testes and a thinning of the scrotal skin.

Why is BPH problematic?

BPH becomes problematic as prostatic tissue compresses the urethra, where it passes through the prostate. Of the selections available, only this option accurately describes the pathophysiologic condition behind the symptoms of BPH.

What causes epididymitis in young men?

STIs. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes of epididymitis in young, sexually active men.

How long does epididymitis last?

Epididymitis that lasts longer than six weeks or that recurs is considered chronic. Symptoms of chronic epididymitis might come on gradually. Sometimes the cause of chronic epididymitis isn't identified.

Why does urine flow backwards?

Urine in the epididymis (chemical epididymitis). This condition occurs when urine flows backward into the epididymis, possibly because of heavy lifting or straining. Trauma. A groin injury can cause epididymitis. Tuberculosis. Rarely, epididymitis can be caused by tuberculosis infection.

What is the history of medical procedures that affect the urinary tract?

History of medical procedures that affect the urinary tract, such as insertion of a urinary catheter or scope into the penis. An uncircumcised penis or an anatomical abnormality of the urinary tract. Prostate enlargement, which increases the risk of bladder infections and epididymitis.

What are the symptoms of epididymitis?

Signs and symptoms of epididymitis might include: Testicle pain and tenderness, usually on one side, that usually comes on gradually.

What does it mean when your testicle is red?

A swollen, red or warm scrotum. Testicle pain and tenderness, usually on one side, that usually comes on gradually. Painful urination or an urgent or frequent need to urinate. Discharge from the penis. Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. Blood in the semen.

Can scrotal swelling be ignored?

Never ignore scrotal pain or swelling, which can be caused by a number of conditions. Some of them require immediate treatment to avoid permanent damage.

What causes epididymitis?

Most cases of epididymitis are caused by an infection, usually by the bacteria Mycoplasma or Chlamydia. These infections often come by way of sexually transmitted diseases.

What age does epididymitis occur?

This swelling can cause intense pain in the testicle. It can occur in men of any age, though it happens most often in men between the ages of 14 and 35.

What antibiotics are used for epididymitis?

Epididymitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics, most often doxycycline (Oracea®, Monodox®), ciprofloxacin (Cipro®), levofloxacin (Levaquin®), or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim®). Antibiotics are usually taken for 1 to 2 weeks. Men who have epididymitis can also relieve their symptoms by: Resting. Elevating the scrotum.

Why does urine flow backwards?

Sometimes epididymitis occurs when urine flows backward into the epididymis. This can happen as a result of heavy lifting. Other causes of epididymitis include:

What is the pain in the back of the testicle?

Epididymitis. Epididymitis is inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the epididymis, a tube at the back of the testicle that carries sperm. This swelling can cause intense pain in the testicle. It can occur in men of any age, though it happens most often in men between the ages of 14 and 35.

How long does it take for epididymitis to go away?

Epididymitis usually does not cause any long-term problems. Most men who are treated for the condition start to feel better after 3 days, though discomfort and swelling may last weeks or even months after finishing antibiotic treatment. It is important to finish the entire treatment recommended by your doctor.

How do you know if you have epididymitis?

Symptoms of epididymitis include: Pain in the scrotum, sometimes moving to the rest of the groin. Swelling and redness in the testicle. Blood in the semen. Fever and chills. Pain when urinating.

What is the function of the epididymis?

The epididymis also absorbs fluid and adds substances to help nourish the maturing sperm. Each epididymis is directly attached ...

What is epididymitis in men?

Share Your Story. Picture of the male urinary and reproductive system. Epididymitis is infection or less frequently, inflammation of the epididymis (the coiled tube on the back of the testicle). The majority of men that develop epididymitis develop it because of a bacterial infection. Although males of any age can develop epididymitis, ...

How Is Epididymitis Diagnosed?

A health care practitioner will take a detailed history (including a sexual history), collect a urine sample, and perform a physical examination, including a prostate exam.

What Is the Treatment for Epididymitis?

The health care practitioner likely will treat the individual with antibiotics through an IV, a shot, or pills orally (to be taken for 10 days or longer). Often the treatment depends on the identity of the infecting bacteria; many physicians elect to treat with at least two different antibiotics because individuals are occasionally infected with more than one organism.

What is the most common cause of inflammation in the scrotum?

This is termed epididymo- orchitis (infection/inflammation of both the epididymis and testicle). Also, testicular infection is the most common reason for inflammation in the scrotum. The other end of the epididymis attaches to the vas deferens which leads to the prostate gland and then to the urethra.

What happens if you don't treat epididymitis?

If the infection is not treated early, complications may develop that require surgery. For patients with non-infectious causes of epididymitis (for example, chemical, inflammation) anti-inflammatory medication is often prescribed; occasionally, consultation with a urologist is recommended for additional treatments.

What causes a bacterial infection in the bladder?

The bacterial species are Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea, respectively. In those older than 39 years of age, the causes are usually coliforms, which are bacteria (such as Escherichia coli) that live in the intestines. These organisms also frequently cause bladder infections.

How long does epididymitis last?

Chronic epididymitis develops slowly and has a duller pain. It is a long-term problem that lasts for longer than 6 weeks. Males of any age can be affected by the condition. If the testicles also become inflamed and painful, then this is known as epididymo-orchitis.

What are the symptoms of epididymitis?

Fever or chills are common symptoms of epididymitis. Epididymitis will cause pain in one or both testicles. The affected area will also be red, swollen, and warm to touch. If it is left untreated, it will worsen over time. Other symptoms include: fever. chills. heaviness in the affected testicle.

What causes UTI in men?

The following factors often cause UTIs in men: enlarged prostate pressing on the bladder. insertion of a catheter into the penis. surgery on the groin, bladder, or prostate gland.

How long does it take for epididymitis pain to go away?

In general, once treatment has started the pain associated with epididymitis will go within 1 to 3 days. Trusted Source. . However, some of the symptoms can take months to disappear. In more severe cases, a person may have to stay in the hospital and may require some surgical procedures.

What is it called when a tube becomes painful, swollen, and inflamed?

Epididymitis is when this tube becomes painful, swollen, and inflamed.

Why is my epididymis swollen?

Causes. The epididymis stores and carries sperm, and may become swollen and inflamed due to a bacterial infection. The spread of a bacterial infection usually causes epididymitis. This infection will often start in the urethra, prostate, or bladder.

What is the back of the testicles called?

What is epididymitis? In the back of the testicles, there is a coiled tube called the epididymis. This tube stores and carries sperm and is linked to the ejaculatory duct by another tube called the vas deferens. Epididymitis is when this tube becomes painful, swollen, and inflamed.

Overview

  • Epididymitis (ep-ih-did-uh-MY-tis) is an inflammation of the coiled tube (epididymis) at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. Males of any age can get epididymitis. Epididymitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Sometimes, a testicle also becomes inflamed — a condition called e…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Symptoms

  • Signs and symptoms of epididymitis might include: 1. A swollen, red or warm scrotum 2. Testicle pain and tenderness, usually on one side, that usually comes on gradually 3. Painful urination or an urgent or frequent need to urinate 4. Discharge from the penis 5. Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area 6. Blood in the semen 7. Less commonly, fever
See more on mayoclinic.org

Causes

  • Causes of epididymitis include: 1. STIs.Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes of epididymitis in young, sexually active men. 2. Other infections.Bacteria from a urinary tract or prostate infection might spread from the infected site to the epididymis. Also, viral infections, such as the mumps virus, can result in epididymitis. 3. Urine...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Risk Factors

  • Certain sexual behaviors that can lead to STIsput you at risk of sexually transmitted epididymitis, including having: 1. Sex with a partner who has an STI 2. Sex without a condom 3. A history of STIs Risk factors for nonsexually transmitted epididymitis include: 1. History of prostate or urinary tract infections 2. History of medical procedures that affect the urinary tract, such as insertion o…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Complications

  • Complications of epididymitis include: 1. Pus-filled infection (abscess) in the scrotum 2. Epididymo-orchitis, if the condition spreads from your epididymis to your testicle 3. Rarely, reduced fertility
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention

  • To help protect against STIsthat can cause epididymitis practice safer sex. If you have recurrent urninary tract infections or other risk factors for epididymitis, your doctor might discuss with you other ways of preventing a recurrence.
See more on mayoclinic.org