What is epididymitis?
Disease description:
The other day, I constantly felt a dragging sensation in the scrotum along with distension and pain. After going to the hospital for an examination, I was diagnosed with epididymitis. I don't know much about this condition—just what exactly is epididymitis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Luo Yong
Epididymitis is a common condition among young and middle-aged males, primarily caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, staphylococci, or streptococci traveling retrograde through the vas deferens into the epididymis. The disease often occurs secondary to posterior urethritis, prostatitis, or seminal vesiculitis, or may develop after urethral instrumentation or prolonged indwelling urinary catheterization. Clinically, it is classified into two main types: acute and chronic epididymitis. Acute epididymitis has a sudden onset, characterized by scrotal heaviness, pain, and high fever. Chronic epididymitis presents with dull scrotal pain and a sensation of heaviness, which may recur repeatedly. Complications of epididymitis include the induction of other diseases, sexual dysfunction, and male infertility; therefore, timely treatment is essential.
