What are the main symptoms of epididymitis. How is epididymitis diagnosed and treated. What complications can arise from untreated epididymitis. Who is most at risk for developing epididymitis.

Understanding Epididymitis: An Overview of the Condition

Epididymitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube located at the back of the testicles. This tube plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system, as it stores and carries sperm from the testicles. When the epididymis becomes inflamed, it can cause significant discomfort and potentially lead to complications if left untreated.

The condition can affect men of all ages, but it is most commonly seen in sexually active men between the ages of 20 and 39. In some cases, both the epididymis and the testicle may be affected, a condition known as epididymo-orchitis.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Epididymitis

Identifying the symptoms of epididymitis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. The onset of symptoms can be gradual or sudden, and they may vary in severity from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain and swelling in one or both testicles
• Tenderness and warmth in the scrotum
• A feeling of heaviness in the affected testicle
• Redness of the scrotum
• Discharge from the penis
• Blood in the semen
• Painful urination or increased urinary frequency
• Low-grade fever

In some cases, a hydrocele (fluid build-up around the testicle) may develop, causing additional swelling and discomfort. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent potential complications.

Common Causes and Risk Factors of Epididymitis

Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with epididymitis can help in prevention and early intervention. The condition is typically caused by bacterial infections, which can originate from various sources:

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

In men under 35, epididymitis is often caused by sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. These infections can spread from the urethra to the epididymis, causing inflammation.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

While less common in men, UTIs can sometimes lead to epididymitis, particularly in older men or those with underlying urological conditions.

Other Causes

In some cases, epididymitis may be caused by:

• Prostate infections
• Urinary tract abnormalities
• Recent urinary tract procedures
• Viral infections such as mumps
• Tuberculosis (in rare cases)
• Trauma to the groin area

Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing epididymitis include:

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Engaging in unprotected sexual activity
• History of STIs
• Being uncircumcised
• Having structural abnormalities in the urinary tract
• Recent urinary catheterization or surgery

Diagnosing Epididymitis: Tests and Procedures

Accurate diagnosis of epididymitis is essential for appropriate treatment. When you visit a healthcare provider with symptoms suggestive of epididymitis, they will typically perform the following:

Physical Examination

The doctor will examine your scrotum and testicles for swelling, tenderness, and warmth. They may also check for enlarged lymph nodes in your groin.

Medical History

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, sexual history, and any recent urinary tract procedures or infections.

Laboratory Tests

Several tests may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis and identify the underlying cause:

• Urinalysis and urine culture to check for UTIs
• STI screening, including tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Blood tests to check for signs of infection and inflammation

Imaging Studies

In some cases, additional imaging may be necessary:

• Ultrasound of the scrotum to rule out other conditions such as testicular torsion
• CT scan or MRI in complex cases or when complications are suspected

By combining these diagnostic methods, healthcare providers can accurately diagnose epididymitis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Epididymitis

The treatment of epididymitis aims to relieve symptoms, eliminate the underlying infection, and prevent complications. The approach may vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition.

Antibiotic Therapy

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for bacterial epididymitis. The choice of antibiotic depends on the suspected causative organism:

• For STI-related epididymitis, common antibiotics include ceftriaxone, doxycycline, or azithromycin
• For non-STI cases, fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin may be prescribed

The course of antibiotics typically lasts 1-2 weeks, and it’s crucial to complete the entire prescribed regimen even if symptoms improve.

Pain Management

To alleviate pain and discomfort, the following measures may be recommended:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Applying cold packs to the scrotum to reduce swelling
• Wearing supportive underwear or a scrotal support
• Resting and elevating the scrotum when possible

Lifestyle Modifications

During treatment and recovery, patients are advised to:

• Abstain from sexual activity until the infection clears
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities
• Stay hydrated to help flush out bacteria

In most cases, symptoms begin to improve within 24-72 hours of starting treatment. However, complete resolution may take several weeks.

Potential Complications of Untreated Epididymitis

While epididymitis is generally treatable, failure to seek prompt medical attention can lead to serious complications. These may include:

Abscess Formation

In severe cases, pus may accumulate in the affected area, forming an abscess that may require surgical drainage.

Chronic Epididymitis

If left untreated, acute epididymitis can develop into a chronic condition, causing persistent pain and discomfort.

Fertility Issues

Inflammation can potentially damage the epididymis and affect sperm production or transport, leading to fertility problems.

Spread of Infection

The infection may spread to other parts of the reproductive system or urinary tract, causing more widespread complications.

To prevent these complications, it’s crucial to seek medical attention at the first sign of epididymitis symptoms.

Preventing Epididymitis: Practical Strategies

While it’s not always possible to prevent epididymitis, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Practice Safe Sex

Using condoms consistently and correctly can significantly reduce the risk of STIs that can lead to epididymitis.

Regular STI Screening

If you’re sexually active with multiple partners, regular STI testing can help detect and treat infections early.

Maintain Good Hygiene

Proper genital hygiene can help prevent bacterial growth and reduce the risk of infections.

Prompt Treatment of UTIs

If you experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection, seek treatment promptly to prevent the infection from spreading to the epididymis.

Follow Post-Procedure Instructions

If you undergo any urological procedures, carefully follow your healthcare provider’s instructions to minimize the risk of infection.

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing epididymitis and maintain overall reproductive health.

Epididymitis – NHS

Epididymitis is where a tube (the epididymis) at the back of the testicles becomes swollen and painful. It’s often caused by an infection and is usually treated with antibiotics.

If the testicles are also affected, it may be called epididymo-orchitis.

Check if it’s epididymitis

Symptoms of epididymitis may include:

• sudden or gradual pain in 1 or both of your testicles (balls)
• the bag of skin containing your testicles (scrotum) feeling tender, warm and swollen
• a build-up of fluid around your testicle (a hydrocele) that feels like a lump or swelling

You may have other symptoms depending on the cause, such as difficulty peeing, or a white, yellow or green discharge from the tip of the penis.

Causes of epididymitis

Epididymitis is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. This is more likely in younger men under 35 years old.

If testing shows that your epididymitis is caused by a STI, it may be recommended that your current or recent sexual partners are also tested for STIs.

It can also be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), but UTIs are less common in men.

A UTI is more likely if you have:

• an enlarged prostate gland
• a urinary catheter
• recently had surgery to the groin, prostate gland or bladder

Sometimes a cause cannot be found.

Less common causes of epididymitis

• mumps
• tuberculosis
• taking high doses of amiodarone, a medicine used to treat heart rhythm disorder
• a groin injury
• Behçet’s disease

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have:

• a lump in your testicles
• swollen testicles
• a change in the shape of your testicles
• a change in the way your testicles feel
• 1 testicle that’s become bigger than the other
• aching or discomfort in your testicles that does not go away

Lumps in the testicles can be a sign of testicular cancer. This is easier to treat if it’s found early.

Information:

Sexual health clinics can help with epididymitis

You can also get treatment for epididymitis at a sexual health clinic.

They can provide the same antibiotics you’d get at your GP surgery.

Many sexual health clinics also offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.

Find a sexual health clinic

Immediate action required: Go to A&E if you get sudden, unbearable pain in your testicles or tummy

This could be caused by your testicle becoming twisted and needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible.

Find your nearest A&E

What happens at your appointment

You’ll usually need some tests first to find out the cause.

These may include:

• a groin examination
• a swab of the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra) – to test for infection
• urine and blood tests
• a rectal examination – to check for problems with your prostate

Treatments for epididymitis

If you have an infection, you’ll usually be given antibiotics. Depending on the cause of the infection, you may be given antibiotic injections or tablets, or a combination of both.

You should start to feel better within a few days, but it may take up to 2 weeks to fully recover.

It’s important to finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.

There are some things you can do while you recover to help ease pain and swelling and prevent any further problems.

Do

• take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to help with the pain – if you have a history of fits, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen should not be taken with some antibiotics used to treat epididymitis; speak to a pharmacist about the best painkiller to use if you’re unsure

• hold a cold pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) on your groin

• wear underwear that supports your scrotum

Page last reviewed: 22 April 2021
Next review due: 22 April 2024

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments for Inflammation of the Epididymis

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Is Epididymitis?
• Epididymitis Symptoms
• Epididymitis Causes
• Epididymitis Risk Factors
• Epididymitis in Children
• Epididymitis Diagnosis
• Epididymitis Treatment
• Epididymitis Complications
• More

Epididymitis is when the epididymis — a long, coiled tube at the back of each of a man’s two testicles — is inflamed.

It’s usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection, but several other types of bacteria can cause epididymitis as well.

What does the epididymis do?

The epididymis carries sperm from the testes, which produce it, to the vas deferens, a tube behind the bladder.

The epididymis lies in coils around the back of a man’s testicle and can be nearly 20 feet long.

It can take nearly 2 weeks for sperm to make it from one end of the epididymis to the other. In that time, the sperm cells mature to the point where they’re able to fertilize a woman’s egg cell.

When a bacterial infection strikes, the epididymis gradually becomes swollen and painful. This usually happens on one testicle, rather than both. It can last up to 6 weeks if untreated.

You might have one or more of these other possible symptoms:

• Redness, swelling, or tenderness in the scrotum, the sac that contains the testes
• A more frequent or urgent need to pee
• A lump on your testicle
• Painful urination or ejaculation
• Fever
• Bloody urine
• Discomfort in your lower abdomen
• Enlarged lymph nodes in your groin
• A lump on your testicle

See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Related conditions

Epididymitis shares many of the symptoms of a more serious problem called testicular torsion (that’s when a testicle gets turned around the cord that connects it to the body).

Testicular torsion symptoms usually develop much faster, however. Torsion is an emergency that may cause you to lose a testicle if you don’t get treatment quickly.

When the swelling and tenderness extends past the epididymis and into the testicle itself, that’s known as epididymo-orchitis.

The most common causes of epididymitis are a pair of sexually transmitted infections: gonorrhea and chlamydia.

About 600,000 cases of epididymitis are reported in the United States every year, mostly in men between 18 and 35. In men older than 35, epididymitis usually happens because of an infection of the bladder or urinary tract.

Some cases of epididymitis are caused by the E. coli bacteria, or in rare cases, by the same bacteria that causes tuberculosis.

Tell your partners

If your condition is the result of a sexually transmitted disease, you should tell anyone with whom you have had sex in the past 60 days about your diagnosis. If it’s been more than 60 days since you had sex, contact your most recent sex partner.

They should see a doctor and get tested for sexually transmitted diseases as well.

Your chances of having epididymitis rise if you have:

• Sex with someone who has a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• A history of STIs
• A history of infections in your prostate or urinary tract
• A history of procedures that impact your urinary tract
• An uncircumcised penis
• An enlarged prostate

Kids can also get epididymitis. An STI, urinary tract infection, or a physical problem in the urinary and reproductive organs can cause the condition. Symptoms in children are similar to those in adults:

• Testicle pain and swelling
• Fever
• A heavy feeling in your testicles
• Leaking fluid from the urethra
• Blood in your semen
• A lump in your testicles
• Pain while peeing or during ejaculation

When you go to the doctor, they will examine your scrotum for signs of infection and ask you questions about your symptoms. They might also do a rectal exam to check your prostate and check for any tenderness.

If your doctor suspects epididymitis based on the exam, you might get one or more tests. They include:

• Urine sample: You may pee into a cup so a lab can check for signs of an infection.
• Blood sample: This can also find abnormalities.
• Swab sample: For this test, your doctor inserts a narrow swab into the tip of your penis to get a sample of discharge. This is used to test for chlamydia or gonorrhea.
• Ultrasound: You might also be asked to sit for an ultrasound test, which uses sound waves to produce an image of your scrotum and testicles.

The most common treatment for epididymitis is antibiotics. If your doctor believes you have epididymitis, they might give you a prescription for antibiotics before any lab test results are even back.

You’ll likely take those medications for a week or two, and you’ll usually start feeling better in a matter of days. Always take your full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even when you feel better.

Even after your antibiotics take effect, some swelling may last for weeks or months, and you may still be sore during that time. You can reduce the pain and swelling by taking over-the-counter pain relievers, applying a cold compress, or elevating your scrotum (you might wear supportive underwear, like a jockstrap).

If left untreated, epididymitis can become a “chronic” condition, one that lingers and causes recurring problems.

Epididymitis might also cause an infection in the scrotum.

In rare cases, it can damage a man’s ability to make a woman pregnant.

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Testicular dropsy symptoms and treatment in Moscow Make an appointment.

Treatment at home and in the clinic – Clinic SINAI near the metro station Dobryninskaya, Serpukhovskaya in Moscow

A specific disease in which fluid accumulates between the parenteral and visceral plates of the testicles is called a hydrocele. This is a medical term. In the people – dropsy of the testicle. The disease can be congenital, physiological, idiopathic, chronic, reactive.

The first and second forms occur with abnormal development of the fetus. Then dropsy is found in the child. This problem in most cases is diagnosed after the baby was born. If the disease appeared at an older age, it means that there is a pathological process in the body, which provoked its occurrence.

As fluid accumulates, the scrotum increases in size. Puffiness is unilateral and bilateral. The fluid accumulated in the testicles does not contain an infection. This means that the disease is basically not dangerous for a man’s health, if we talk about a short period (from several hours to several days).

An important role is played by the reason why dropsy occurred. For example, if the scrotum is injured, which is often associated with a hydrocele, it is not recommended to postpone a visit to the doctor. This also applies to inflammation in the penis and scrotum. The inflammatory process may indicate, for example, orchitis, epididymitis, etc.

Pathogenesis

Dropsy in most cases occurs in young men. However, it is often found in infants and adolescents. In general, dropsy is not such a common disease. If we talk about statistics, approximately 1% of cases of the total number of urological diseases.

As for the mechanism of the development of the disease, it consists of three factors. The first factor is impaired lymphatic drainage from the testicle and scrotum. The norm is when the serous fluid produced is removed using the inguinal lymphatic system. This liquid has a viscous character. She is the lubricant necessary for the normal functioning of the testicles.

If the lymphatic drainage is disturbed, the fluid begins to accumulate. On visual inspection, the scrotum appears to be swollen. In addition, a decrease in lymphatic flow occurs during damage to the lymphatic pathway. These include trauma, infection, tumors.

The second factor is reduced reabsorption of the fluid that accumulates in the testicular membranes. The testicular membrane is an autonomous system, characterized by the independent production of serous fluid and the immediate removal of its excess. Any pathological change that occurs in the tissue of the membrane leads to the development of dropsy.

The third factor is slowing down the outflow of venous blood. When blood circulation stops or slows down significantly, there is an increase in fluid filtration. As a result – the development of dropsy.

What are the consequences of excess fluid in the testis

Late diagnosis or improper treatment can provoke a number of complications and consequences. Namely:

• Due to the accumulated fluid, movement is difficult, painful sensations torment, a man can complex because of the appearance of the testicles.

• A watery environment is a good environment in which bacteria and infection can multiply. Then they can penetrate into other organs and body systems.

• Due to excess fluid, the normal blood supply to the testes is disturbed, their main function of producing seminal fluid worsens.

• Hydrocele can affect the psychological state of a man. He becomes insecure, depression may develop.

• If the treatment of the disease is delayed, the man may lose his testicle, as a result of which infertility is diagnosed.

Why disease occurs

The development of hydrocele may be due to:

1. Injuries.

2. Testicular torsion.

3. Inflammatory disease.

4. Filariasis.

5. Abnormal development of the urinary and reproductive systems.

6. Renal failure.

7. Impaired functioning of the cardiovascular system.

8. Defect in the development of the lymphatic system.

9. Benign or malignant formation on the genitals.

10. Surgical intervention.

11. Various diseases of the liver.

1. Dropsy may appear after a mechanical injury to the scrotum (strike, infringement, injury), if the inguinal region or perineum is injured. Injury can occur in domestic, work, street conditions. And also if in the life of a man there is equestrian sport, wrestling, karate, Thai boxing, cycling.

The scrotum and adjacent tissues can be damaged due to burns, overheating, hypothermia. In some cases, dropsy of the testicle is diagnosed after an animal has bitten, a man has received a gunshot wound, or he has had too active sexual contact.

2. When the testicle is twisted, it suddenly turns in one direction or another. As a result of this, there is a violation of the venous and arterial blood supply, as the vessels are compressed. This is the main reason for the development of dropsy. The provoking factor of the disturbed outflow of venous blood is both twisted veins of the spermatic cord and their thrombosis. Testicular torsion occurs after a strong and prolonged cough, trauma to the scrotum, with abnormal development of the structure of the scrotum, sudden movement. And also, if a man wears tight clothes, if an inguinal hernia is diagnosed, there are regular physical overloads.

Testicular torsion is a serious pathology. It can provoke not only a gift, but also tissue necrosis. In addition, an abscess of the scrotum may form, that is, a cavity appears, which is filled with pus. To prevent such complications, it is necessary to contact the medical center in time, where they will diagnose and prescribe high-quality treatment.

3. Various inflammatory diseases can also cause the development of hydrocele. A hydrocele develops if a man suffers from orchitis (testicle tissues become inflamed), epididymitis (tissues of the epididymis become inflamed), urethritis (the urethra becomes inflamed), funiculitis (the spermatic cord becomes inflamed). The above diseases are mainly infectious in nature. This means that bacteria or viruses have entered the body of a man.

4. Filariasis is the most common parasitic disease. It is also the cause of dropsy of the testis. The disease is caused by worms of the nematode class (roundworms). Worms can enter the body if a person is bitten by a blood-sucking insect. There will be a gradual flow of filariae into the lymph flow, where they will multiply. In addition, in the lymphatic system, they will become adult worms.

The reason for the development of a hydrocele in this case is the damaged main lymphatic highways, which contribute to the outflow of most of the lymph from the testicles and scrotum. It is necessary to know that such a parasitic disease provokes both dropsy and other symptoms. A man’s legs swell, a rash appears on his body, joints hurt, vision is impaired, body temperature rises, eyes turn red. In addition, there is a cough, an increase in the size of the lymph nodes.

5. If a man’s genitourinary system develops abnormally, the kidneys, testicles, penis, urethra, bladder stop working normally. Such an anomaly is congenital in nature and indicates the incorrect formation of one or another organ even during embryonic and fetal development. Visually, it can be detected in a baby who has just been born, and an anomaly can also appear when the boy reaches adolescence.

6. If the kidney tissue does not function properly, it causes large swelling on the hands, face, legs. Fluid can accumulate in the abdominal, thoracic, and pericardial cavities. Testicular dropsy may also occur. Kidney failure provokes daily large losses of protein from the body. They are excreted in the urine. The disease is a consequence of:

• Kidney cancer.

• Pyelonephritis.

• Polycystic kidney disease.

• Tuberculosis.

Also, renal failure can be provoked by diabetic or toxic nephropathy, arterial hypertension.

7. There is some balance – the formation and removal of fluid from the body. This includes the shell of the testicles. In order to maintain the correct balance, the full functioning of the cardiovascular system is also necessary. Some severe heart diseases (CHD, arterial hypertension, heart attack, myocarditis) can cause heart failure. When it develops, there is a difficulty in blood flow in a particular organ.

The vessels of the testicular membrane accumulate with blood, hydrostatic pressure increases, as a result of which the timely passage of fluid from the organ is disrupted. This means that chronic heart failure can provoke a hydrocele. There may also be swelling of the legs, face, hands.

8. abnormal development of the lymphatic system – a rare cause of dropsy. The anomaly can be localized and widespread. Congenital hypoplasia, lymphangiectasia, obliterating lymphangiopathy are distinguished.

Hydrocele may be due to lymphangiomatosis. This is a tumor process, which is characterized by an increased proliferation of lymphatic tissue in a particular organ. In addition, dropsy develops due to lymphangioma. It is a good quality education. In most cases, it is congenital.

9. A tumor on a man’s genitals (penis, scrotum, testis) can cause dropsy. Basically, a hydrocele is diagnosed in those whose neoplasm is located on the testicle or epididymis. These include sertolioma, teratoblastoma, embryonic carcinoma, leidigoma, chorionepithelioma, seminoma.

With one of these tumors, its cells join together, which are able to grow into a neighboring organ, as a result of which the anatomical structure of the testicle and its membrane are disturbed. Tissues lose adequate vascular blood supply and lymph flow. In some cases, an inflammatory process may develop in the testicle, the cause of which is necrosis of a particular tissue. In addition, normal blood circulation is disrupted. Such factors, together with the inflammatory process, contribute to the accumulation of fluid in the testicle. The man is diagnosed with a hydrocele.

10. If a man has undergone groin surgery, this can also be the cause of dropsy of the testicle. Such surgical intervention is inguinal herniotomy (hernia is removed), varicocelectomy (dilated veins in the spermatic cord are removed), appendectomy (appendix is ​​removed).

Many surgical operations are characterized by a temporary disruption of the functioning of a particular tissue. This includes the groin area. It is sensitive to such external intrusion. The reason is a special structure. Any surgical intervention in this area can provoke the development of dropsy.

12. In the presence of liver disease, protein is not produced sufficiently. It is responsible for fluid exchange in various tissues. With hypoalbuminemia and portal hypertension, the risk of edema in the scrotum and hydrocele increases.

It should be remembered that not every liver disease can cause the development of such swelling. In most cases, dropsy develops if the disease has advanced to a more severe stage. Therefore, it is necessary to contact qualified specialists in a timely manner, who will prescribe adequate effective treatment.

How the disease is diagnosed

Before conducting a visual examination, the medical history is collected by the doctor. He is also interested in what injuries, infections preceded.

There are a number of methods by which an accurate diagnosis of the disease is carried out. These methods include:

• Diaphanoscopy, or transillumination. The scrotum is translucent with a directed beam of light. If the cyst is filled with clear contents, the treatment will be red. If there is no glow, then a cloudy liquid is present.

• Ultrasound examination of the scrotum. It is a differential diagnostic method that excludes an inguinal hernia, a cyst in the spermatic cord.

• Doppler ultrasound. This method allows you to assess the blood supply in the testicles, to determine the presence of varicocele.

• Delivery of a general blood and urine test. This is necessary in order to differentiate the disease from another disease that may present with similar symptoms.

• Alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin are being investigated. Such an analysis is carried out in order to confirm or exclude a malignant process.

How the disease is treated

The asymptomatic course of dropsy, when a small volume of fluid is present, implies the observation of dynamics. The presence of isolated hydrocele in a child does not need any intervention until the child is 3 years old. Before this age, spontaneous disappearance of the disease may occur.

Elimination or reduction of reactive dropsy in most cases occurs after adequate therapy for the underlying disease is prescribed. With a pronounced deposition of fluid, the patient is prescribed surgical treatment. Can be used:

• Classic intervention. During such an operation, the scrotum is cut, the dropsy cyst is removed, and its puncture is performed. The Winckelmann method is characterized by eversion and stitching of the testicular membrane in such a way that there is no re-accumulation of the fluid, and its absorption occurs in the surrounding tissue. Bergman’s technique is also characterized by a section of the vaginal membrane. Lord’s operation consists in corrugating the vaginal membrane, which is a less traumatic procedure, since the testicles are not separated from the membrane and are not brought out into the wound.

• Minimally invasive technique. This includes sclerotherapy, plasma coagulation, ultrasonic dissection, tissue dissection with a laser. In terms of efficiency, such methods can be compared with open surgery. After them, the patient recovers faster, there is no high risk of complications. If there is an inflammatory and tumor pathology in the patient’s body, which caused the development of dropsy, the minimally invasive technique is not applied.

Postoperative Rules

After the patient has undergone surgery, it is recommended to exclude physical activity and sexual relations for 2-3 months. The surgical suture dissolves in one to two weeks. As a complication of surgery is swelling, the presence of a hematoma. Our medical center uses modern methods, so the development of complications is minimized.

A month after surgery, it is recorded that spermatogenesis has significantly deteriorated. Over time, he will gradually recover. If less traumatic methods were used, this will happen in 8-12 weeks, if invasive surgery – in six months.

Ultrasound of the scrotum, treatment and prevention in Moscow

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Scrotal injury

rupture of the scrotum

Rupture of the scrotum is a fairly common phenomenon, they can have varying degrees of damage. The highest degree is the rupture of this organ. This is a violation of the integrity of the protein membrane, which is accompanied by significant blood loss and severe pain. With such an injury, a man should immediately call an ambulance, since without the timely intervention of a specialist, the consequences can be very serious and disappointing.

The scrotum is an organ that continues the anterior wall of the abdominal cavity, which forms a structure that has two chambers. It is designed to locate the glands of the male reproductive system. This organ consists of several shells and is multilayered. The top layer or epidermis, followed by fascia and muscle tissue, each of which is made up of blood vessels and nerve endings.

Categories of rupture of the scrotum and severity

Rupture of the upper shell of the scrotum or its inner layers can occur as a result of a severe bruise, a fall from a great height, a cut, an animal bite, or other impact on this organ. There are the following categories:

• Rupture of the superficial membrane of the scrotum. In this condition, the inner layers and cavities of this organ are not affected. The severity is determined only by the area of ​​the affected surface.

• The second degree, in which, in addition to the upper layer of the epidermis, the scrotal cavity is damaged, but the internal structural components of the organ are not affected, is considered moderate.

• The third degree of rupture. In this situation, we are talking about severe damage to the organ with extensive tissue rupture, affecting the cavity and internal glands.

Treatment of ruptured scrotum

The treatment required in each individual case can only be prescribed by a specialist urologist after he has carried out a series of activities and manipulations. To diagnose the severity and severity of the disease, the doctor conducts a visual examination, asks questions and, based on this, can refer the patient for additional examinations.

• With an external dissection, an ultrasound of the scrotum is performed to determine the depth of the wound. This study is also carried out in order to determine the volume of surgical manipulations when suturing a broken membrane.

• For more serious damage to the scrotum, urgent surgery is performed.

The further recovery and health of the patient depends on how quickly and professionally assistance will be provided in the event of a rupture of the scrotum. Therefore, if you get an injury, you should immediately contact a specialist, while choosing only highly qualified clinics with a good reputation. Untimely medical care, in the vast majority of cases, will entail serious consequences, and will reduce the chances of a full recovery by several times. In addition, the patient may lose consciousness from pain shock.

No delay!

Any of the stages of damage to the scrotum should be the reason for the immediate appeal to a medical facility. To restore the integrity of the shell, surgical procedures are performed.

This is necessary, since any, even the most insignificant damage can provoke serious problems with the health and normal functioning of the testicles and their appendages.