Congestive Epididymitis Treatment

There are two kinds of epididymitis: congestive and chemical. Chemical epididymitis can occur from drugs such as amiodarone or from the backflow of urine into the epididymis. Congestive epididymitis, however, tends to occur as a component problem after genito-urinary surgery, where it is part of a condition known as post-vasectomy pain syndrome.

The Cause of Congestive Epididymitis

Epididymitis is denoted by inflammation in the epididymis (the curved structure at the back of the testicle where sperm matures). Congestive epididymitis occurs after a vasectomy, most commonly a closed-ended procedure where the vas deferens--the tube sperm travels through--is clamped shut, and back pressure builds to painful levels in the epididymis, according to Cory G. Christiansen, MD, and Jay I. Sandlow, MD.

The other type of vasectomy, called open-ended, leaves one end of the vas deferens unobstructed, allowing for a release of pressure in the epididymis. Christiansen and Sandlow note that, though congestive epididymitis is in fact a possible consequence of a vasectomy, there are disagreements on what the precise cause is.

Symptoms

What Are the Causes of Painful Ejaculation?

Learn More

Congestive epididymitis symptoms include swelling or heaviness in the testicles, mild to excruciating pain in the scrotum and potentially a low-grade fever, according to Sherry Baker ("Understanding Blue Balls") 1. Several other possible signs are a lump in the testicle, discomfort in the lower abdomen and pelvis, and enlarged lymph nodes in the groin. These symptoms, according to Christiansen and Sandlow, most often show up five to seven years after a vasectomy.

Treatment Options

Men who suffer from congestive epididymitis have several treatment options open to them. These range from a regimen of bed rest and pain relievers for the lightest symptoms of the condition up to a variety of surgical procedures for post-operative epididymal pain.

From a surgical standpoint, the four main options are a vasectomy reversal, removal of the epididymis, removal of the testicles entirely, or transition to an open-ended vasectomy. A vasectomy reversal is a procedure whereby the vas deferens is unblocked or the cut ends reconnected, relieving the pressure inside the epididymis when the flow is reinstated.

Somewhat similar to a vasectomy reversal is a transition from a closed-end vasectomy to an open-ended vasectomy. This involves unblocking one of the tubes (either upper or lower) leading from the vas deferens, and results in relieving the epididymal pressure build-up. This procedure is different from a vasectomy reversal in that you're unable to get anyone pregnant after this transition.

An epididymectomy is the proper name for the total surgical removal of the epididymis. This procedure is a surefire way to eliminate pain in the epididymis and, along with an orchiectomy (removal of the testicles), is a permanent solution.