What is the prognosis of Epididymitis and Orchitis?

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube located at the back of the testicle. In most cases, an infection causes this inflammation and then the infection spreads to the epididymis from the organs and ducts involved with urination and reproduction. When epididymitis spreads to the testicle, the condition is called epididymo-orchitis, which is an inflammation of both the epididymis and the testicle.

Treatment

Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat epididymitis caused by infection. For epididymitis caused by STDs, a variety of antibiotics (that work against chlamydia and gonorrhoea), are used. To prevent the spread of infection, one’s sex partners must receive antibiotics as well. When epididymitis is caused by intestinal bacteria, a course of antibiotics is prescribed to the patients.

When the condition occur in adolescence, a urologist (a doctor who specializes in illnesses of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs) checks the kid for urinary tract problems.

In addition to medications for epididymitis, health care provider suggests a few measures to relieve discomfort. These include rest in bed for a few days, elevating scrotum with a towel, cold therapy on the painful area, fluids intake (especially water) and a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Those with severe pain in the scrotum may need a stronger pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) with codeine. Sometimes, the doctor may inject anaesthetic medication directly into the painful area.

Prognosis

With treatment, most cases of mild epididymitis and orchitis can be cured. There is usually no long-term effect on fertility, especially when only one side of the scrotum is involved.

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