Epididymitis is a sexually or non-sexually transmitted infection that occurs in the epididymis, according to Drug.com. Sexual causes include gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Non-sexual sources include enteric organisms, which are bacteria that live in the intestines. The epididymis is a tube-shaped area in the scrotum that stores and transports sperm from the testicles to the penis. Epididymitis is either acute or chronic, according to Drugs.com. Acute cases lasts fewer than six weeks, while chronic cases extend past three months.
Antibiotics
The antibiotics, ceftriaxone plus doxycycline, treat epididymitis stemming from gonorrhea and Chlamydia. A person takes ceftriaxone in a single dose along with doxycycline, which is taken twice daily for 10 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For epididymitis most likely caused by enteric organisms, or for patients allergic to cephalosporins and/or tetracyclines, the antibiotics, ofloxacin or levofloxacin are used as a treatment. Ofloxacin is taken twice daily for 10 days, and levofloxacin is taken once daily for 10 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MayoClinic.com advises people suffering from epididymitis to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by doctor. Further, according to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, the sexual partner of the infected person needs to be treated.
Bed Rest
According to Medline Plus, bed rest is a treatment for epididymitis. While on bed rest, a person props the area of scrotum up, and uses ice packs to ease the swelling and discomfort caused by epididymitis.
Surgery
For chronic cases of epididymitis, surgery may be necessary. In addition, according to MayoClinic.com, surgery may be an option if the cause of the epididymitis stems from an underlying physical defect and not an infection. Surgery entails the removal of the epididymis.
References
- National Institutes of Health/Medline Plus: Epididymitis
- CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Epididymitis
- CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Updated Recommended Treatment Regimens for Gonococcal Infections and Associated Conditions - United States, April 2007
- Drugs: Epididymitis
- MayoClinic.com: Epididymitis Treatment
