Fertility may be compromised with these surgical procedures, so people may consider postponing surgery until after having children. 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. Male Reproductive System
Spermatoceles are important to not be ignored as it can affect the male reproductive system. The testes are organs inside the scrotum that create sperm as well as sex hormones and testosterone. The sperm in the testes move to the epididymis which is a long, coiled tube behind the testes. The primary function is to store and mature sperm so it can fertilize the egg. However, if the epididymis becomes injured, then there is a chance that the sperm will not mature and a man will not be able to reproduce with a woman. Therefore, serious thought must be considered when undergoing spermatocelectomy. Prevention and Screening
There is no way to prevent a spermatocele from forming, but there are routines that can be established to help identify any changes in a persons scrotum such as masses, abnormalities, or discomfort. Performing a monthly testicular self-exam can improve the persons chances of identifying spermatoceles or any abnormalities quickly. It is best to perform a testicular self-exam after a warm shower to help the scrotum relax. To properly exam the scrotum, look for any swelling on the skin and examine each testicle by rolling the testicle between the thumbs and the fingers.
Although both epididymis cyst and spermatocele may be referred as the same, the epididymis cyst does not contain sperm and it can occur anywhere within the epididymis. It can be differentiated through an ultrasound imagining. Epididymis cysts larger than 10mm in diameter are recommended for surgery but if there is no problem then surgery is discouraged as it can affect fertility in the future. Chronic infectious epididymitis
Chronic infectious epididymitis is rare. 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. 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. Management of chronic infectious epididymitis is similar to management of acute infectious epididymitis, rarely does treatment extend to surgical management. Chronic noninfectious epididymitis
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.