Epididymitis is an infection of the epidiymis of the male testicles and can occur in males of all ages, though it most commonly occurs in men 20 to 39 years of age. This condition is typically treated with a variety of different types of antibiotics and may also be treated with prescription anti-inflammatory medications. Especially for men of the target age group, follow-up care is crucially important as well. The main purpose of any epididymitis treatment is to reduce swelling and eliminate the cause of the infection to restore the function and health of the testicles. Symptoms of this condition include pain in the testicles and groin area, scrotal swelling, and pain during urination.
Antibiotics are the most common type of epididymitis treatment for men under 39 years of age. For young boys, the cause of the condition is usually trauma that resulted in infection to the area, and it is suggested that a pediatrician prescribe the appropriate type and dosage of the antibiotic. For men ranging in age from 20 to 39, the most common cause of epididymitis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and is likely to be prescribed antibiotics such as azithromycin and doxycycline to treat the infection. Older men are usually given ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin for symptom relief.
Another commonly used type of acute epididymitis treatment is anti-inflammatory medications. These are most often prescribed to patients with a chemical or non-infectious type of epididymitis. Patients requiring this form of medication therapy do not have a STD or any other type of infection causing the pain and swelling, and therefore there is no need for an antibiotic. The cause of this type of chronic epididymitis is often unknown, and it is considered to be effective and therapeutic to treat the swelling and inflammation of the area.
One factor every patient with epididymitis requires is effective follow-up care and treatment to ensure the condition is eliminated. In some cases, the standard epididymitis treatment of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications is not sufficient and further testing, such as an ultrasound, is needed. This test can indicate the presence of a testicular tumor or other problem. If the condition was caused by an STD, it is important for the patient and their sexual partner or partners to be treated in order to avoid another infection. Most cases of epididymitis can be treated successfully with little chance of recurrence if the patient takes the appropriate preventative measures.