Epididymitis

Epididymitis (up-uh-DID-uh-MI-tis) is inflammation of your epididymis (ep-uh-DID-uh-miss) that causes discomfort or pain in your scrotum, testicle or epididymis. Your epididymis is a coiled tube at the back of your testicle — most people have one behind each testicle (plural epididymides). It stores and carries sperm.

Inflammation anywhere in your body can be painful and uncomfortable. It can be even more distressing when it affects a sensitive area. But inflammation is your body’s way of telling you that something’s wrong, and you should talk to a healthcare provider. They’ll do their best to identify what’s causing your pain, treat you promptly and put your mind at ease.

What are the types of epididymitis?

There are two general types of epididymitis:

Acute (sudden) epididymitis. This is when your symptoms develop suddenly and get worse. Acute epididymitis is usually the result of a bacterial infection.
Chronic (long-lasting) epididymitis. This is when you have discomfort or pain for six weeks or longer. The discomfort or pain may go away and come back. The symptoms are usually less severe than acute epididymitis.

How common is epididymitis?

There are about 600,000 cases of epididymitis in the United States each year.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.