Have you ever experienced sudden testicular pain or swelling and wondered what might be causing it? It could be epididymitis, a condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. In this video, Dr. med. Dr. phil. Stefan Buntrock, a board-certified urologist from Göttingen, explains how to recognize the symptoms of epididymitis, the common causes, and the essential treatments required. Epididymitis occurs when the epididymis, a small tube attached to the testicles that stores sperm, becomes infected or inflamed. In young men, this is often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, while in older men, residual urine in the bladder is typically the culprit.
Dr. Buntrock emphasizes that epididymitis requires medical attention, with antibiotics being the cornerstone of treatment. Delaying treatment can lead to severe complications such as testicular damage, infertility, and even sepsis. The video also explores other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as testicular torsion, hydrocele, and testicular cancer, and underscores the importance of a proper diagnosis. Lastly, preventive measures, like using condoms and addressing residual urine issues, are discussed to help avoid this painful condition.
