Epididymitis is the inflammation or infection of the epididymis, the long coiled tube that attaches to the upper part of each testicle. The epididymis functions as a storage, transport, and maturation place for sperm before ejaculation.
Among men under age 35 who are sexually active, Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the most common causes of epididymitis. Nonsexually transmitted epididymitis is associated with urinary tract infections and is more common in men who have undergone surgery for urinary tract problems or who have anatomical abnormalities. Although epididymitis is often caused by and associated with some of the same organisms that cause some sexually transmitted diseases, there are other causes as well. The condition can also be attributed to pus-generating bacteria associated with infections in other parts of the body. This cause, however, is rare.
Epididymitis can also be caused by injury or infection of the scrotum or by irritation from urine that has accumulated in the vas deferens. Epididymitis is characterized by pain in the testes. The pain, which usually develops gradually over several hours or days, is followed by sudden redness and swelling of the scrotum. Generally, only one testicle is affected. The affected testicle is hard and sore, and the other testicle may feel tender. The patient has chills, a low-grade fever, and usually has acute urethritis.
Chinese medicine considers hormones to be a part of an individual's jing, or essence. You are born with a certain amount of life force, or essence, which is stored in your kidneys, and used throughout your lifetime to nourish cells, tissues and organs. Jing is the root of yin, which encompasses blood and fluids, and yang, which includes energy and warmth. In TCM, when essence depletes, you can experience symptoms similar to those of hormonal imbalances, such as menopause or impotence. Chinese medicine treatments focus on points that can restore essence; organs like the kidneys and the liver are also involved in hormone balance. Continue to learn Chinese medicine Treatment for Impotence.