Directory of Diseases

The epididymis is a long coiled tubular structure located at the back of the testicle. The epididymis has the primary function of carrying and storing sperm. Sometimes inflammation of the epididymis may occur, producing testicular pain and fever. The most common cause of epididymitis is a bacterial infection. The bacteria that causes this condition is sometimes sexually transmitted but can also originate in the urinary tract or bladder.

Episcleritis is a condition where the tissue called the episclera in between the eyeball surface and the deeper tissue area becomes inflamed, leading to redness and discomfort. While this is a poorly-understood condition, it is usually self-limiting and not serious. Episcleritis does not cause any permanent damage or vision changes. Episcleritis can be diffuse, spreading over the whole eye, or nodular, involving only a small section of the eye.

This is the medical term for a nosebleed. The most common cause is trauma from a finger or a foreign object stuck into the nose. Other causes include drying of the nasal mucosa. Bleeding is usually from the part of the nose that runs along the front of the nasal septum, the wall that divides the nose into two nostrils. Here, there is a collection of small arteries and veins called Kiesselbach's plexus which can rupture and cause significant bleeding, as the plexus comes from two arterial blood sources. Bleeding from the rear of the nose (posterior epistaxis) is more difficult to control and often requires admission to the hospital. Most nosebleeds stop on their own after application or pinching of the nose and leaning forward for 30 minutes. People with high blood pressure should check their blood pressure when experiencing a nose bleed, as hypertension can sometimes be the cause of significant epistaxis.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection. Erectile dysfunction is also called impotence. Occasional ED is not a cause for concern but when the problem is more consistent it could be a sign of a more serious disease and medical help should be sought. ED has many causes including psychological stress, heart disease, diabetes, previous pelvic surgery, obesity, high blood pressure, certain neurological diseases, hormonal imbalances, tobacco use, alcoholism, and medication side effects.