Swollen Testicles? Don't Ignore the Pain!

Inside a man's scrotum, there are two testicles and two epididymis. The epididymis are slender, flattened organs attached to the lower end of the spermatic cord along with the testicles. These organs are essential for sperm development and maturation, acting as a pathway and cradle for sperm.

Epididymitis is a common condition among young and middle-aged men. When the body's resistance is low, pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus can invade the epididymis through the vas deferens, causing inflammation. This condition often follows infections such as urethritis, prostatitis, or seminal vesiculitis.

Symptoms and Initial Reactions

Consider Alex, who woke up one day with discomfort in his scrotum. Initially, he attributed the mild swelling and pain to having eaten too much spicy food and hoped the symptoms would subside on their own. However, the pain intensified to the point where even the slightest touch was excruciating. His wife, concerned about future fertility, insisted on a hospital visit.

At the hospital, a preliminary examination revealed slight swelling in Alex’s scrotal area, with normal-sized but tender testicles. An ultrasound showed enlarged epididymis with uneven echogenicity and increased blood flow. The diagnosis: epididymitis.

Epididymitis, often caused by a retrograde infection from the urinary system, commonly involves pathogens like Escherichia coli, Proteus, and Staphylococcus. Alex’s doctor prescribed a broad-spectrum antibiotic, piperacillin/tazobactam, and the corticosteroid dexamethasone for local anti-inflammatory therapy. After a week of treatment, Alex’s symptoms significantly improved.

For chronic cases (lasting at least three months), the traditional Chinese medicine Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill offers a safer and more effective treatment. This pill helps clear heat and toxins, promotes blood circulation, relieves pain, and facilitates urination, effectively alleviating symptoms and promoting recovery.

Don’t Ignore Swollen and Painful Testicles!

Many men delay seeking medical attention for epididymitis due to embarrassment or reluctance to visit a hospital. However, ignoring the condition can lead to serious complications such as abscesses, infarctions, or even the need for surgical removal of the epididymis and testicle. It’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly to prevent the condition from worsening.

Potential Dangers of Epididymitis

Impact on Daily Life

During an acute episode of epididymitis, patients often experience symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, nodules on the affected side of the scrotum, difficulty urinating, and abnormal urethral discharge. These symptoms can be accompanied by chills, fever, and general discomfort. Even after treatment, some patients may have lingering perineal pain, which can significantly affect daily activities and work. The pain can become more pronounced during sexual activity, further impacting quality of life.

Impaired Fertility

The epididymis and testicles are closely connected. Sperm produced in the testicles travel to the epididymis to mature. When the epididymis is inflamed, it can result in a reduced sperm count, decreased sperm motility, and lower sperm quality. This can lead to conditions like dead sperm or azoospermia (absence of sperm), ultimately reducing male fertility.

Triggering Other Diseases

The testicles are generally protected from bacterial invasion due to their rich blood supply and lymphatic system. However, epididymitis can lead to orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) if not treated promptly. Additionally, untreated epididymitis can cause various inflammatory diseases of the urogenital system. Persistent inflammation can spread to other organs, causing prostatitis or seminal vesiculitis. It can also impair epididymis function, leading to male endocrine disorders, varicocele, and other conditions.

Conclusion

Long-term epididymitis can severely impact male fertility, especially concerning for young, unmarried, and childless men. Early symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention to receive timely treatment and prevent worsening conditions. Don’t ignore a swollen and painful scrotum—your future health and fertility could depend on it.