Epididymitis Treatment - Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Epididymitis is the inflammation and infection of the Epididymis. Epididymis is a long and thin, tightly coiled tube that lies behind and above each testicle. The main function of epididymis is to collect and store matured sperm made by the testicle.

Epididymis is the store house and supplier of sperm during ejaculation. Urinary tract infection, Sexually transmitted disease, enlargement of prostate glands and bacterial infection are some of the most common causes.

The treatment of the condition totally depends on the cause. Antibiotics are always the first line of defense especially if the condition is likely caused by gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Ceftriaxone and Doxycycline are the most common mediaction and they are used together.

Some of the other common drugs that are used to treat epididymitis are Levofloxacine and Ofloxacin. Anti inflammation drugs are also used to treat the condition. One of the most widely used such drug is Piroxicam and Ketorolac. Pain medication such as Ibuprofone and Morphine are also used.

In extreme cases of severe condition, the epididymis or part of epididymis is permanently removed by a surgery known as Epididymectomy. Surgery is generally done when an abscess has been formed and it needs to be drain or in case of chronic epididymitis.

As for any other medical condition, the treatment for epididymitis is also done firstly by medicines. Anti inflammatory drugs such as Piroxicam can be taken orally or by injection. Ceftriaxone and Doxycycline are given together where ceftriaxone is injected while doxycycline is taken orally for 10 days.

Patients who are above 39 years of age, Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim are also given for 10 to 14 days. In some cases, the doctor would also suggest to elevate the scrotum and apply cold packs on the scrotum. Wearing an athletic cup for support is also suggested in some cases.

As for surgery, it is not a very complicated one. The surgeon will remove the epididymis or part of the epididymis that is infected and you will be as good as new the very next day.

There are many symptoms that can point towards the condition. If you are having pain in the pelvic area or pressure in the testicles, abnormal penile discharge, blood in the semen, pain during sexual intercourse and ejaculation then you must go to the clinic for a rectal examination.

Epididymitis can also be caused by other underlying conditions. In case you are having the symtoms for epididymitis, you should always go for complete blood test along with rectal examination before treating the condition.

All the drugs that are used to treat epididymitis have more or less some very common and minor side effects. The most prominent among those are stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, itchiness, headache and sweating.

However some medications can cause slightly major side effects such as pain or swelling of the tongue, heartburn, blurred vision and ringing in your ears.

As for surgery, it is also a very safe procedure but the chances of side effects are there in case of any complications. Some major risks involved are collection of blood within the scrotal sac, blood clotting in blood vessels, infection and contraction of testicles.

The post treatment guidelines for epididymitis consist primarily of total and complete rest along with some precautions so as to not develop the condition again. You should do physical exercise such as elevation of scrotum and applying cold packs to reduce pain and tenderness.

Avoid weight lifting and restrain from physical activities. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet with plenty of water to recover faster. You should also avoid wearing tight clothes especially tight underpants that can cause swelling and pain.

As for minor condition that are treated by antibiotics, the recovery time of epididymitis treatment is at least 4 to 6 weeks and can go up to 2 to 3 months. In case of major condition or surgery the recovery time is at least 2 to 3 months which can also go up to 6 months and even more in case of chronic epididymitis.

The medications used in treating epididymitis are very expensive. It starts at INR 500 and can go up to INR 1500. As for surgery, it depends on the procedure and the hospital in which you are getting treated. Surgery starts at INR 200000 and can go up to INR 400000.

The result of the epididymitis treatment dpends on various factors. It can range between 10% to 70% depending on patients and the cause for the condition. In minor cases, the results are mostly permanent. However, for some severe condition there is always a chance of redeveloping the condition.

Acupuncture and acupressure are the two most effective alternatives for epididymitis. You can also use homeopathy as an alternate treatment. Some of the most effective homeopathic medicines are Rhododendron, Clematis, Spongia, Metallicum and Argentum.

Ayurveda also provide some alternate medicines for the treatment. Some of the most common Ayurvedic medicines are Sukumaram Kashayam, Sukumara Eranda Taila, triphala and Gandharvahasthadi Eranda Taila.