The epididymis is the tube that carries the urine as well as the sperm out through the penis. The length of the epididymis in male reproductive organs usually ranges between 5 and 7 metres long or 20 to 23 ft in length.
What is Epididymis?
It is a convoluted duct of the male reproductive system, which mainly involves in the storage of the produced sperms. It is present within the testes, in the form of tube-like structure which is made up of smooth muscle.
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In the epididymis, the produced sperms are matured, stored and are passed into the urethra through the muscular tube called vas deferens. The mature sperm in the epididymis are stored for nearly 20 to 30 days. Epididymis not only helps in the storage and maturation of sperms, but it also functions to carry the urine as well as the sperm out through the penis.
Structure and Functions of Epididymis
Structure of Epididymis – It is a thin and tightly coiled tube-like structure, present at the back of the testis. The epididymis is found in all-male reproductive systems, including humans, mammals, reptiles and also in birds. In adult humans, the length of the epididymis usually ranges between 6 and 7 meters (20 to 23 ft) in length.
What is the function of the epididymis? The main function of the epididymis is to connect the efferent ductules from the rear of each testicle and testicle to vas deferens in the male reproductive system.
Development of Epididymis
Epididymis is developed in the embryo, from the tissue that once formed the mesonephros, a primitive kidney found in many aquatic vertebrates. Persistence of the cranial end of the mesonephric duct, will leave a remnant behind known as the appendix of the epididymis. In addition, some of the mesonephric tubules can continue to exist as the paradidymis, a small body caudal to the efferent ductules.
Disorders of Epididymis
The epididymis is a supporting structure of the male reproductive system and is also called the site of sperm maturation. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, which is the most common risk in young men between the age of 19 and 35 years old. This syndrome is rarely diagnosed in 1 among 1000 men.
Acute and chronic epididymitis is the type of bacterial infections caused by the following factors:
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Being uncircumcised.
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Regular use of a urethral catheter.
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The structure history of structural problems in the urinary tract or any recent surgery.
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Having sexual intercourse with multiple partners and not using contraceptives.
Symptoms of Epididymitis
Some of the symptoms of epididymitis (acute and chronic) are given below:
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Fever.
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Chills.
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Lump in the testicle.
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Discharge from the urethra.
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Blood discharged during ejaculation.
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Heavy sensation in the testicle area.
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Testicle pain gets worse with pressure.
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Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
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Pain or burning during urination or ejaculation.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Epididymitis
The diagnosis of this type of inflammation in epididymitis can be done by both ways, one is by physical examination and other body fluid tests including the complete blood count, followed by the testicular scan and Doppler ultrasound. Once the patients are diagnosed with bacterial infections, they can be cured by certain antibacterial drugs, injections and other medication to reduce and improve the symptoms of the infections.
Preventive or Safety Measure for Epididymitis
There are some safety measures, which have to be followed. In order to completely cure and to avoid recurrent infections. Some of the precautions are given below:
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Healthy lifestyle.
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Practising safe sex.
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Treating sexual partners as a contact to epididymitis.
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Avoid sexual intercourse with the partner until he has completed his treatment.
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Repeat follow-ups and screenings for sexually transmitted infections every 2 months.
Do You Know?
How does a person get epididymitis? Males of any age can get this infection. It is mostly caused by the bacterial infection including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Occasionally, testicle will also be inflamed through a condition called epididymo-orchitis.