Spermatocele

Chronic infectious epididymitis is rare.[12] Some signs and symptoms include localized tenderness and swelling in the epididymis, which are different from any tenderness/abnormality present in the testis, these are usually not found in lower urinary tract. Chronic infectious epididymitis may be diagnosed in healthy adolescents as well as men. Some factors that predispose individuals to chronic infectious epididymitis include sexual activity, heavy physical exertion, and bicycle or motorcycle riding.[13] Those diagnosed with chronic or recurrent epididymitis should receive a CT scan with contrast and a prostate ultrasonography to rule out structural abnormality of the urinary tract. If suspected to have chronic infectious epididymitis, consider getting a urinalysis, urine culture, and urine nucleic acid amplification tests for presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis.[14] Management of chronic infectious epididymitis is similar to management of acute infectious epididymitis, rarely does treatment extend to surgical management.[15]

Chronic noninfectious epididymitis – Trauma, autoimmune disease, or vasculitis can cause chronic noninfectious epididymitis, but no clear cause or origin of the disease is found in most cases. Noninfectious epididymitis that happen spontaneously might be caused by the reflux of urine through the ejaculatory ducts and vas deferens into the epididymis, producing inflammation that leads to swelling and ductal obstruction.[14] Men with history of vasectomy are also predisposed to chronic nonifectious epididymitis. Typical inciting factors include prolonged periods of sitting (long plane or car travel, sedentary desk jobs) or vigorous exercise (heavy lifting). Acute infectious epididymitis are often associated with more tenderness and swelling, whereas chronic noninfectious epididymitis tend to have less tenderness and swelling upon examination. Thorough past medical history and physical examination can help with determining the diagnosis. It is often that individuals with chronic noninfectious epididymitis will present with a history of a lack of symptom improvement while on antibiotic therapy. Management of chronic noninfectious epididymitis includes scrotal elevation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (unless unable to take for medical reasons), and it is recommended that individuals avoid physical activities that may cause said symptoms. Those with sedentary jobs or often experience prolonged periods of time sitting should practice physical mobility more frequently.[15]

If a person is experiencing pain and/or swelling in the scrotum or if a person notices a physical difference such as a mass during a testicular self-exam then they must seek medical attention quickly to help rule out any other causes and begin treatment.[19]

Epididymal cysts may arise in children due to numerous different reasons. They may even originate from a disturbance in endocrine factors during the development of the embryo.[8] The incidence of these cysts are possibly linked to boys who are exposed to diethylstilbestrol, an estrogen medication, while in the fetus.[8]

Although the evidence and information for incidence of spermatoceles in children is lacking, there are general management guidelines for caregivers who may encounter spermatoceles in their children.[8] Epididymal cysts are typically benign in nature. However, caregivers should take note of any discomfort and symptoms in children, including but not limited to, erythema, scrotal edema or swelling.[8] Epididymal cysts appear in approximately 70% of boys who present as asymptomatic.[8] The diagnosis of epididymal cysts in children can be discovered upon physical examination and eventually confirmed via ultrasound.[8]

Certain drugs such as oral analgesics or anti-inflammatory medications can be taken by mouth to decrease spermatocele-related symptoms such as pain and/or swelling. At the moment, there is no medication that can inhibit the production of a spermatocele or cure it. Common medications recommended by doctors are acetaminophen (Tylenol) that can treat pain. To treat the inflammation and pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and others.[19] Antibiotics may also be prescribed in cases where risk of infection and discomfort is indicated.[7]

Aspiration and sclerotherapy are treatments that remove fluid from the spermatocele and seal the spermatocele sac closed from further fluid build-up, respectively.[6] Due to a higher risk of epididymis damage, fertility problems, and further recurrences, these procedures are not recommended and not commonly used.

Surgical treatments must be thoroughly discussed with people prior to any final decisions. Different types of surgical procedures may be chosen based on the extent of risk.[22]

A short procedure called a spermatocelectomy can be performed for spermatoceles that cause irritating symptoms. This standard procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting with the use of local or general anesthesia. This procedure typically consists of removing the spermatocele and a portion of the epididymis.[6] The risk of epididymal injury is 17.12%. This incident may happen when the spermatocele is being dissected from the head of the epididymis.[5] Spermatocelectomy can cause complications such as hematoma, wound infection, scrotal abscess as well as recurrence.[7] After surgery, the doctor may recommend to apply ice packs for several days to help reduce swelling. Oral pain medications can also be taken for a few days to reduce discomfort.[6] In addition, the patient returns 2–6 weeks after to inspect any progress/complications.[7] If received a vasectomy, then two semen samples must be collected and analyzed after 6–12 weeks post-operation and several ejaculations. The centrifuged semen samples are used to look for the absence of viable sperm in the semen.[23]

After surgical removal, it is possible that the pain will persist and recurrence can occur. Fertility may be compromised with these surgical procedures, so people may consider postponing surgery until after having children.[19] If the pain is intolerable and the person would like to get the spermatocele removed immediately, the person should talk to his doctor about the possibility of freezing or donating sperm in case infertility occurs.[24]