What Causes Epididymitis in the Left Side?

Epididymitis refers to the inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tubular organ located at the back of the testicle responsible for storing and transporting sperm. Men of any age can develop epididymitis.

Left-sided epididymitis may be related to risky sexual behavior, urine reflux, trauma, bacterial infection, epididymal obstruction, or Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. 

The specific manifestations include:

1. Risky Sexual Behavior: If engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse or promiscuity, there is a higher likelihood of contracting non-gonococcal urethritis, gonorrhea, and other sexually transmitted diseases. These diseases can easily lead to epididymitis. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid high-risk sexual behaviors in daily life. If high-risk behaviors occur, it is imperative to visit a hospital for a comprehensive examination promptly.

2. Urine Reflux: If the male reproductive organs are compressed or abnormally elevated, urine can easily reflux into the epididymis, increasing the likelihood of epididymitis. In daily life, do not compress the reproductive organs and try to keep them in a lower position to reduce the probability of urine reflux.

3. Bacterial Infection: If bacteria invade the epididymis, it may produce a large amount of inflammatory substances, leading to epididymitis. Common pathogens include Escherichia coli, Proteus, and Staphylococcus. Patients with epididymitis often have concomitant bacterial prostatitis. Incomplete or untimely treatment of bacterial prostatitis can lead to further progression of the disease, thereby inducing acute epididymitis.

For acute epididymitis, sensitive antibiotics should be used for treatment, such as fluoroquinolones. For chronic epididymitis, patients can choose traditional Chinese medicine, such as Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill. Additionally, patients can rest in bed, elevate the scrotum to alleviate pain, pay attention to their diet, and enhance their immune system to aid in a speedy recovery.

4. Epididymal Obstruction: Men who have undergone vasectomy or have congenital vas deferens obstructions may experience epididymal obstruction. This can prevent the timely expulsion of secretions produced in the epididymis, potentially leading to epididymitis. Patients need to adjust their mindset and maintain a positive attitude towards treatment. They can also consider vas deferens anastomosis under medical guidance to establish a new pathway, allowing the fluid produced by the epididymis to enter the sperm normally.

5. Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection: If the body is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it can invade the epididymis and cause tuberculous lesions there. This can lead to tuberculous epididymitis, although this condition is relatively rare. Patients with this condition typically need to use anti-tuberculosis medication as prescribed by their doctor.

Can One Still Have Children with Unilateral Epididymitis?

Whether one can have children with unilateral epididymitis depends on the health of the epididymis on the other side. If the epididymis on the other side can ejaculate normally, it will not affect fertility. However, if the other side also has ejaculatory disorders, it will affect fertility.

Epididymitis is caused by an infection and inflammatory reaction that occurs when pathogens invade the epididymis via the vas deferens. The epididymis is a tubular organ attached to the upper end and back of the testicle. Normally, the human body has two epididymides. When one side undergoes pathological changes leading to obstructed ejaculation, whether the other side can ejaculate normally is crucial for fertility.

If the other side can ejaculate normally, normal fertility is possible. However, if there are ejaculatory disorders on the other side as well, this can lead to reduced fertility.

In short, when abnormalities are detected, patients need to seek medical attention promptly. Actively seek treatment after identifying the disease. Patients can also rest in bed, raise their scrotum, alleviate pain symptoms, pay attention to strengthening their diet, improve their immune system, and help with speedy recovery.

You  may also be interested in:

Why Is Epididymitis Most Often Chronic?

Is Epididymitis Considered Cured When It Doesn't Hurt Anymore?

Don't Let Epididymitis Take You Down: Three Preventative Measures You Need to Know