What causes swelling of the epididymis?

Epididymitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Sometimes, a testicle also becomes inflamed — a condition called epididymo-orchitis.

Are the seminiferous tubules in the epididymis?

Sperm are produced and released by the male reproductive organs. Sperm production in the testes takes place in coiled structures called seminiferous tubules. Along the top of each testicle is the epididymis. This is a cordlike structure where the sperm mature and are stored.

What is the orchitis?

Orchitis (or-KIE-tis) is an inflammation of one or both testicles. Bacterial or viral infections can cause orchitis, or the cause can be unknown. Orchitis is most often the result of a bacterial infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). In some cases, the mumps virus can cause orchitis.

Which part of the epididymis is attached to the body of seminiferous tubules?

Each epididymis has three regions, called, respectively, the head, body, and tail. The head is the uppermost and largest part of the epididymis; it lies on the top surface of the testis. The body is attached to the anal side of the testis and extends the length of the gland.

Can I give epididymitis to my girlfriend?

Can I pass the infection to my sex partner? Yes, if the infection is from an STD. (This is most often the cause in men under 40 who have sex.) In this case, the infection can be passed back and forth through sex.

What does epididymis feel like?

The testes themselves feel like smooth, soft balls inside the baggy scrotum. At the top and to the back of each testis is the epididymis (this stores the sperm). This feels like a soft swelling attached to the testis; it can be quite tender if you press it firmly.

How can I improve my epididymis?

The treatment options for epididymitis include:

1. antibiotics.
2. antibiotics for any sexual partners (if an STI was the cause)
3. bed rest.
4. pain-relieving medication.
5. cold compresses applied regularly to the scrotum.
6. elevation of the scrotum.
7. a stay in hospital (in cases of severe infection)

What is the best treatment for orchitis?

Orchitis treatment is mostly supportive and should include bed rest and the use of hot or cold packs for pain. Antibacterial medications are not indicated for the treatment of viral orchitis, and most cases of mumps-associated orchitis resolve spontaneously after three to 10 days.

What is the best treatment for Epididymo-orchitis?

Treatment

• Acute Epididymitis and Acute Epididymo-orchitis. Treatment often starts with a 1-2 week course of antibiotics.
• Chronic Epididymitis. Chronic epididymitis is mainly treated with drugs and comfort to ease pain.
• Acute Orchitis. Antibiotics are often the best treatment for bacterial infections.

Is the cauda epididymis hard?

4.43 and 4.44). Generally, the epididymal cauda is hard to be seen (Fig. 4.45). Figure 4.41.

How does a woman know if she has epididymitis?

Pain, tenderness, and swelling in the scrotum (epididymides or testicles) that gradually get worse are the most common symptoms of epididymitis. Other symptoms may include fever and chills, frequent or painful urination, or a discharge from the penis.

Can you feel your epididymis with your finger?

With your free hand, glide your thumb and fingers along both sides of the testicle, from top to bottom. Feel for any lumps or bumps. Then, glide your fingers over the front and back of the testicle. On the back at the top, you should feel the epididymis, a tube that carries sperm.

Where does sperm go before it reaches the epididymis?

The body reabsorbs this fluid as sperm cells travel from the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis. Before sperm can get to the epididymis, they can’t move. Millions of tiny projections in the rete testis, known as microvilli, help move sperm along to the efferent tubules.

Where does sperm go after leaving the seminiferous tubules?

Rete testis After sperm is created in the seminiferous tubules, sperm cells travel toward the epididymis through the rete testis. The rete testis helps to mix sperm cells around in the fluid secreted by Sertoli cells. The body reabsorbs this fluid as sperm cells travel from the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis.

What causes tubular ectasia of the epididymis?

It typically occurs in those with a prior vasectomy but can be also seen with other causes of obstruction of the ductus deferens. This can give a characteristic “speckled appearance” on ultrasound due to multiple interfaces between the epididymal tubule wall and fluid 2 . 1.

How is the head of the epididymis characterized?

The epididymis can be divided into three main regions: The head ( Latin: Caput ). The head of the epididymis receives spermatozoa via the efferent ducts of the mediastinium of the testis. It is characterized histologically by a thick epithelium with long stereocilia (described below) and a little smooth muscle.