How Do You Get Chronic Epididymitis?

Epididymitis, a relatively common clinical condition characterized by inflammation of the epididymis, is often classified into acute epididymitis and chronic epididymitis. Acute epididymitis is the inflammation of epididymitis accompanied by pain and swelling, while chronic epididymitis may present only with pain.

Etiological factors may be infectious or noninfectious, for example urinary obstruction, drug induced, or idiopathic. Bacterial ascent through the urogenital tract is the most common etiology in acute epididymitis, with Chlamydia trachomatis being isolated in all adult age groups.

 

Though men are rarely coming down with urinary tract infections, the most cases of acute epididymitis are caused by bacterial infection. The bacteria usually get to the epididymis by moving back through the urinary and reproductive structures(retrograde) such as the urethra, prostate, vas deferens into the epididymis.

In rare circumstances, the infection reaches the epididymis via the bloodstream.

 

In those who are sexually active, Chlamydia trachomatis is accounting for two-thirds of acute cases, followed by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and  enteric bacteria such as E. coli (or other bacteria that cause urinary tract infection). Particularly among men over age 35 in whom the cause is E. coli, epididymitis due to urinary tract obstruction is frequently the underlying cause.

Less common microbes include Ureaplasma, Mycobacterium, and cytomegalovirus, or Cryptococcus in patients with HIV infection. As to boys before puberty, the older males, and men who engage in rectal intercourse, they are easily infected with E. coli. In the majority of cases in which bacteria are the cause, only one side of the scrotum or the other is the locus of pain.

 

Non-infectious causes are also possible. Reflux of sterile urine (urine without bacteria) through the ejaculatory ducts may cause inflammation with obstruction. In children, it may be a response following an infection with enterovirus, adenovirus or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Rare non-infectious causes of chronic epididymitis include sarcoidosis (more prevalent in black men) and Behçet's disease.

 

Any form of epididymitis can be caused by genito-urinary surgery, including prostatectomy and urinary catheterization. Congestive epididymitis is a long-term complication of vasectomy. Chemical epididymitis may also result from drugs such as amiodarone.

 

Anyway, people should seek medical attention immediately if they have been troubled by epididymitis. Herbalist Lee Xiaoping specializes in the field of male and female reproductive and urinary system disease for 30 years. People can get professional treatments and suggestions from her.