Can epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis) cause impaired urine flow?

From the Guidelines

Epididymitis can cause impaired urine flow due to its proximity to the urethra and bladder, potentially leading to urethral narrowing or bladder neck obstruction 1.

Key Points to Consider

• The condition is often caused by the migration of pathogens from the urethra or bladder, which can be identified through diagnostics 1.
• In severe cases, epididymitis can lead to decreased urine flow rates, and treatment with antibiotics such as doxycycline or ceftriaxone may help alleviate symptoms, including urinary flow obstruction.
• Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen may be prescribed to reduce pain and swelling, which can also contribute to improved urine flow.
• It is essential to consider testicular torsion, a surgical emergency, in all cases of epididymitis, especially when the onset of pain is sudden or severe 1.
• A thorough evaluation, including diagnostic procedures, should be conducted to determine the cause of epididymitis and to rule out other conditions, such as urethritis or urinary-tract infection 1.

From the Research

Epididymitis and Urine Flow

Epididymitis, or inflammation of the epididymis, can be associated with various urinary symptoms. The evidence suggests that:

• Epididymitis can present with urinary symptoms such as dysuria and urinary frequency 2
• Reflux of urine into the ejaculatory ducts is considered a common cause of epididymitis in certain age groups, which may imply a connection between urine flow and epididymitis 2
• However, impaired urine flow is not explicitly mentioned as a direct consequence of epididymitis in the provided studies

Possible Causes of Impaired Urine Flow

While the studies do not directly address impaired urine flow as a result of epididymitis, they do mention:

• Bladder outlet obstruction as a possible cause of epididymitis in men older than 35 years, which could potentially lead to impaired urine flow 2
• Enteric bacteria transported by reflux of urine into the ejaculatory ducts as a cause of epididymitis, which may be related to urinary tract issues 2

Urinary Symptoms in Epididymitis

The studies highlight that men with epididymitis often experience urinary symptoms, including:

• Dysuria (painful urination) 2, 3
• Urinary frequency 2, 3
• Fever 3 These symptoms may be related to the underlying cause of epididymitis, such as infection or inflammation, rather than directly causing impaired urine flow.