Epididymitis is a medical condition where the Epididymis, a small, coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores sperm, gets inflamed or swollen. This may result in discomfort or pain in the scrotum, testicle, or lower abdomen. The pain may be mild or moderately painful. Sometimes, the pain could be associated with various other symptoms like swelling in the testicles, fever and a burning sensation while urinating.
There are two types of Epididymitis: Acute and Chronic.
Acute Epididymitis occurs suddenly and symptoms are generally more severe. It's generally caused by a bacterial infection like Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea.
Chronic Epididymitis lasts for six weeks or more and symptoms may be less intense but persistent.
Men can get Epididymitis at any age, although it's most prevalent among males aged 14 to 35 years. Urgent treatment of this condition is essential to avoid complications like reduced fertility. Treatment typically involves antibiotics if the cause is bacterial. Using cold packs, elevating the scrotum and taking pain relievers may also ease symptoms.
Epididymitis can be caused due to many factors and understanding them is important for better management of the condition. Recognising these common triggers may prompt timely medical intervention to ease discomfort and avoid complications.
Epididymitis can be brought on by:
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): This is the most frequent cause among young and sexually active men. The primary STIs that cause intense Epididymitis are chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Bacteria from a UTI might pass through the bladder or urethra to the Epididymis and cause inflammation.
Infections of the prostate: Prostate infections (prostatitis) can also spread to the Epididymis.
Urine Backflow: In older men, urine may flow backwards into the Epididymis, triggering bacterial growth and inflammation.
Chemical Epididymitis: Sometimes urine enters the Epididymis and a chemical reaction causes inflammation without an infection.
Physical Injury: Trauma to the pelvic area can cause Epididymitis due to inflammation in the body after injury.
Catheter Use: Men who have a catheter inserted, such as a Foley catheter used for urinary problems, are at greater risk for Epididymitis because of potential bacterial transfer.
Medications: A number of medicines, like the heart drug amiodarone, can induce Epididymitis as a side effect.
Epididymitis can be very uncomfortable and can impact both physical health and quality of life. Knowing the signs and symptoms helps in seeking timely treatment and managing the condition. Some common signs & symptoms associated with Epididymitis are listed below.
The most common symptom is mild to serious pain in the scrotum. The pain typically starts on one side and can spread to the whole area.
Swelling of the scrotum is another symptom along with pain. It may affect one or both sides and can develop rapidly.
Inflammation may make the scrotum appear red and feel warmer than usual.
This sign is called dysuria and involves a burning sensation or discomfort whenever you urinate, suggesting an illness in the bladder.
The urge to urinate more than usual can also be a symptom of this condition.
Many patients also complain of pain during or after ejaculation.
In more serious cases, the infection might bring chills, and fever.
An uncommon discharge from the penis can also be seen, particularly if the Epididymitis is on account of a sexually transmitted infection.
Rarely, men can find blood in their semen, which can be alarming and must be urgently treated.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Epididymitis using ancient Ayurvedic techniques coupled with contemporary advances in medicine science. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Custom Ayurvedic medicines: Personalised herbal formulas for calming doshas and mood stabilisation.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: Relaxing methods for mental and general well being of patients.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Treatments like Panchakarma and massages detox the body and balance emotional health.
Dietary & Lifestyle Changes: Professional advice on adjusting your diet and lifestyle to achieve better health outcomes.
Ayurveda medicines for Epididymitis offer relief from the severe pain caused by the disease. These ayurvedic medicnes target inflammation and balance the doshas, without any side effects. Following are some commonly noted Ayurvedic medicines for managing Epididymitis.:
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris): Gokshura is a herb that aids in urinary health and can help reduce inflammation and pain in the reproductive organs.
Varuna (Crataeva nurvala): This particular herb is usually used for managing urinary tract disorders and reducing the swelling and pain of Epididymitis.
Kanchnar Guggulu: It is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy used for detoxification and to manage Epididymitis inflammation.
Sukumaram Kashayam: This herbal decoction is known to regulate and cool the Vata and Pitta doshas, which in Ayurveda are associated with inflammation and pain. It is especially helpful for male reproductive disorders.
Sukumara Eranda Taila: It is a herb oil which is applied externally and it is known for reducing swelling and pain. It soothes the area affected and improves local circulation.
Triphala: A staple in Ayurvedic medicine, Triphala is a mix of 3 fruits which cleanse the body. This is an anti-inflammatory herb which could be used to deal with conditions like swelling and pain.
Gandharvahasthadi Eranda Taila: This is another herbal oil used externally, like Sukumara Eranda Taila. It is a laxative and regulates Vata imbalances, reducing inflammation in Epididymitis.
Chandraprabha Vati: This is used for Ayurvedic urogenital treatments. It can calm inflammation and cure urinary tract infections associated with Epididymitis.
Although some mild cases of Epididymitis resolve without treatment, you should still consult a doctor to avoid problems and for proper management.
No, Epididymitis isn't cancerous. It's an inflammation of the Epididymis, typically because of an infection or sometimes due to trauma.
Recovery time varies but many patients report improvement in symptoms after a few weeks of consistent Ayurvedic treatment.
Serious cases of Epididymitis could result in fertility issues if untreated.
Yes, boys can also get Epididymitis, but it is a lot more prevalent in adults. Any signs in children should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.
Gentle yoga poses that do not put pressure on the pelvic area can help with this condition. Poses like Padmasana (Lotus Pose) must be avoided.
Ayurveda suggests a healthy diet, excluding spicy and acidic food, to manage the inflammation caused by Epididymitis.
Herbal remedies are effective but must be part of a treatment plan which can include other therapies and lifestyle changes.
Ayurveda stresses on balancing the doshas and strengthening the immune system to prevent future episodes of Epididymitis.
