Frequently, the reason for pain experienced in the scrotum is caused by
epididymitis. This pain can be subtle to extremely painful causing the scrotum
to become red, warm and swollen. The inflammation could be the outcome of a
Chlamydia infection, a popular STD that transfers from the urinary-tract to the
sperm-duct, or bacteria. Persistent pain that last longer than six weeks is
diagnosed as chronic and treatment is administered depending on the cause of the
Military men, men between 18-35, and men who wait extended
periods to empty their bladders are frequent sufferers of epidymitis.
Sexually-active men and homosexuals are especially vulnerable to epididymitis
because of STDs such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia, or non-gonococcal arthritis, which
is a urethral-infection that is normally sexually transmitted but cannot be
The source of epididymitis varies depending on the person's behavior and age. In
children, the cause is usually linked to urinary-tract infections. In young men
that are sexually active, it is frequently connected to sexually transmitted
diseases. In older men, epididymitis is often attributed to magnification of the
prostate gland. In addition, bacterial infections, perhaps proliferated from the
rectal region or after a urological check-up, and injuries to the groin area can
cause epididymitis as well.
Tenderness, swelling, and pain in the scrotum that gradually worsens are the
most recurrent symptoms linked to epididymitis. Additional symptoms include
chills and fever, painful urination, and discharge-from the penis.
Diagnosis of epididymitis is determined by the medical history of the individual
and a physical examination. Bacterial infections are checked by performing a
culture of the discharge-from the penis. Additionally, a urine and urinalysis
culture are completed to search for urinary tract infections, while blood test
to check for increased white cell count and ultrasounds may be carried out as
Usually antibiotics are the main form of treatment for epididymitis. Other
treatment measures include adequate bed rest, with the hips elevated and
anti-inflammatory drugs. Even though epididymitis can be treated as an
out-patient case, if there is severe pain and it continues in spite of
continuous treatment, further diagnosis is advised to distinguish the condition
from an abscess, testicular torsion, or a testicular infraction.
Arduous activities should be restrained while the condition is still present.
This also includes refraining from any sexual activity with another individual
if the epididymitis is caused by an STD, or sexually transmitted disease. In
addition, it is vital for anyone diagnosed with epididymitis to have their sex
partners examined and treated for any probable infection. Surgical measures such
as elimination of the infection through a tiny-incision in the scrotum, called
an epididymectomy, and a bilateral-vasectomy may be carried out for severe