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Contents
  • Age and Sexual Activity
  • Urinary Tract Issues
  • Other Medical Conditions
  • Lifestyle Factors

Who's at Risk? Understanding the Factors Behind Acute Epididymitis

Who's at Risk? Understanding the Factors Behind Acute Epididymitis

Know Your Risk

Acute epididymitis doesn't strike at random. Certain factors can increase your chances of developing this painful condition. But what are they?
Contents
  • Age and Sexual Activity
  • Urinary Tract Issues
  • Other Medical Conditions
  • Lifestyle Factors

Age and Sexual Activity

Age plays a significant role in the risk of epididymitis. Young, sexually active men are more likely to get epididymitis caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea. On the other hand, older men and those who aren't sexually active are more prone to epididymitis caused by urinary tract infections or other non-STI related causes. Sexual practices also matter - men who engage in unprotected sex or have multiple partners are at higher risk for STI-related epididymitis.

Urinary Tract Issues

Problems with the urinary tract can increase the risk of epididymitis. An enlarged prostate, common in older men, can obstruct urine flow and increase the chance of infection. Other conditions that affect urination, like kidney stones or a neurogenic bladder (where nerve problems affect bladder control), also raise the risk. Recent urinary tract procedures or catheterization can introduce bacteria, potentially leading to epididymitis.
Factors that increase the risk of developing acute epididymitis, including age, sexual activity, and urinary tract issues.

Other Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can make you more susceptible to epididymitis. Men with HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system are at higher risk. Some autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation in the epididymis. Rarely, epididymitis can be a complication of mumps in adult men. Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract or reproductive system can also increase risk.

Lifestyle Factors

Some lifestyle choices can influence your risk of epididymitis. Heavy lifting or straining can sometimes cause urine to flow backwards into the epididymis, potentially leading to infection. Prolonged sitting, such as during long-distance travel, might increase risk in some cases. While not directly causing epididymitis, poor hygiene can potentially increase the risk of infection in the genital area.

FAQs

Can cycling cause epididymitis?

Prolonged cycling may irritate the area but doesn't directly cause infection.

Is epididymitis hereditary?

No, but some risk factors like prostate enlargement can run in families.

Can stress cause epididymitis?

Stress doesn't directly cause it, but can weaken immunity.

Are some ethnic groups more at risk?

Risk is more related to behavior and health conditions than ethnicity.

Can diet affect epididymitis risk?

Diet doesn't directly impact risk, but overall health can affect immunity.

Knowledge is Prevention

Understanding your risk factors can help you take steps to prevent epididymitis or catch it early.
Concerned about your risk for epididymitis? Reach out to Doctronic to discuss your individual risk factors and prevention strategies.
Additional References
  1. Trojian TH, et al. Epididymitis and orchitis: an overview. Am Fam Physician 2009; 79:583.
  2. Tracy CR, et al. Diagnosis and management of epididymitis. Urol Clin North Am 2008; 35:101.
  3. Pilatz A, et al. Acute epididymitis revisited: impact of molecular diagnostics on etiology and contemporary guideline recommendations. Eur Urol 2015; 68:428.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.