Information and facts on Epididymitis

 

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, a structure located along the back of the testicle. Newly formed sperm cells pass from the testis, where they are produced, into the epididymis, where  they spend ten to twenty days, continuing to grow and mature. When the sperm cells are capable of  fertilizing an egg, they travel from the epididymis through the vas deferens "sperm duct" to the seminal vesicles, where they are held until ejaculation. The epididymis is a long but tightly coiled tube. If one of these tiny tubes were stretched out straight, it would measure from about 13 to 20 feet in length. The earliest symptom of epididymitis is swelling that occurs on the back of one or both testicles, where the epididymides are situated. The affected area becomes hot, tender, and very painful. As the swelling continues to build over a period of a few hours, the scrotum may swell and stiffen. A man suffering from epididymitis may waddle or move funny when he walks. This awkward posture is an attempt to protect the affected area. If the testis also becomes inflamed and infected, the condition is called epididymoorchitis.

Epididymitis can result from several causes. A urinary tract infection can spread through the sperm ducts to the epididymis. This disorder can also be a result of prostatitis (infection of the prostate gland), and it can occur after a prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate). Organisms that commonly infect the region this way include staphylococci, streptococci, and Escherichia coli. Epididymitis is also a common complication of sexually transmitted diseases, primarily chlamydia, but also gonorrhea and syphilis. In  some cases, epididymitis develops as a complication of long-term use of an indwelling catheter.

If you think you have epididymitis, contact your physician immediately. Diagnosis is made by analysis of a urine sample and, sometimes, prostate secretions, to identify the source of the infection. In sexually active men with multiple partners, epididymitis is very often the result of urethritis (infection of the urethra) caused by chiamydia (Chlamydia). If it is determined that the disorder was sexually transmitted, both  partners should be treated to prevent them from passing the infection back and forth. It is important that the infection be adequately treated. If it becomes chronic, then epididymitis can cause the formation of  pus pockets, or abscesses, and can lead to sterility.

Other Changes To Make

• drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

• eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

• nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

• juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

• do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

• carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

• a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

• do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

• do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

• use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

• brown rice is good to eat

• avoid red meat and animal fats

• reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

• fast a few days a month

• get at least 8 hours of sleep 

• exercise light to moderate amounts

• avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

• do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

• do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

• do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

• do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.