Epididymitis Infection of Epididymis

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis. The epididymis is a tube at the back of the testicles that stores and carries sperm. When this tube becomes swollen, it can cause pain and further swelling in the testicles.

Epididymitis is most common in young men ages 20 to 39. It is estimated that every year one in 1,000 men develop epididymitis.

Epididymitis Symptoms

Common epididymitis symptoms include:

• Low fever
• Chills
• Feeling of pressure or heaviness in the testicles
• Pain and tenderness in the testicles
• Pain during urination, bowel movements, sexual intercourse, and ejaculation
• Discharge from the penis
• Urgent, frequent urination, like a urinary tract infection
• Blood in the semen

MicroGenDX Test Used in Diagnosing Epididymitis

An evaluation and culture (growing microbes from your sample in a lab) are often used to diagnose epididymitis. However, standard cultures may come back negative even when you actually do have this infection, and that means it won’t be treated. A MicroGenDX test detects the DNA of all microbes in your sample, along with how much of each is present, and uses that information to identify causes of your infection and the drugs that can best treat it.

The epididymitis test is included in the “MensKEY Complete Urine+Semen” test and in the “Prostate Semen” test. You can order these tests and get sampling instructions here:

https://microgendx.com/product/mens-complete-urine-semen-office-hospital/

https://microgendx.com/product/prostate-test-service-dm-intl/

Providing a Sample for the Epididymitis Test

You will need to provide a urine and semen sample for the MensKEY Complete test or a semen sample alone for the Prostate test. It’s very important to obtain proper samples by following the instructions for collecting the sample, as well as when packaging and shipping it.

Everything you need to know about taking a sample is included with your test, and is also available online on the product pages. The instructions contain illustrations that will help you collect a sample without contaminating it.  For example, you will need to wash your hands thoroughly and clean your genital area with soap and water. For the MensKEY Complete test, be sure to take the urine and semen samples on the same day.

Medical Specialties Treating Epididymitis

Epididymitis can be treated by a primary care physician or urologist.

How Epididymitis is Treated

Epididymitis is treated with antibiotics. It is important to complete the full course of medication as it is prescribed, even when symptoms begin to clear up before you are treated. Pain relievers may also be prescribed, along with bed rest.