Final answer:
The most common cause of bacterial epididymitis in men over 35 is typically a non-sexually transmitted bacterial infection originating from the urinary tract or prostate. Treatment involves antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and painkillers to address symptoms and prevent complications like abscesses and infertility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common cause of bacterial epididymitis in individuals over 35 years old is often a non-sexually transmitted bacterial infection that may originate from the urinary tract or the prostate. This differs from younger men, where the cause is typically sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea. With acute epididymitis, the onset is rapid and symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and fever. Both acute and chronic epididymitis are generally treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and painkillers.
Prostate issues, such as an enlarged prostate or prostatitis, can contribute to bacterial epididymitis in the older age group by causing urine to backflow and infection to spread to the epididymis. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and includes extended antibiotic regimens, often lasting four to six weeks, to ensure the complete eradication of the infection. Complications of untreated epididymitis can include abscesses, permanent organ damage, and infertility, underlining the importance of prompt medical treatment.