Epididymitis Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Epididymitis refers to the enlargement of the epididymis caused by infections such as bacteria and viruses, accompanied by pain. Some patients may notice swelling of the scrotal skin and even an increase in skin temperature.

For this condition, it is necessary to use antibiotics in a timely manner. If the epididymitis is caused by bacterial infection, quinolone antibiotics or cephalosporin antibiotics can be used for treatment, generally requiring medication for one to two weeks. If the symptoms are severe, it is advisable to administer antibiotics intravenously for better results. If it is caused by a viral infection, antiviral medications are needed.

During treatment, it is important to rest in bed as much as possible and to keep the scrotum elevated to facilitate local blood circulation. Dietary considerations should include eating lighter foods and avoiding spicy and irritating foods.

(The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Does epididymitis require the removal of the testicle?

After developing epididymitis, in most cases, it is not necessary to remove the testicle. The appearance of epididymitis is mainly due to an infection by pathogens that causes the epididymis to become enlarged and painful. With early and timely anti-inflammatory treatment, generally, medication can lead to cure after one to two weeks for most patients, so surgical intervention is usually not necessary. If epididymitis is not treated promptly, it is very likely to cause inflammation of the testicle, and even lead to abscesses in the epididymis and testicle. In severe cases, it might become necessary to remove the testicle. Therefore, after developing epididymitis, one should promptly visit the urology department of a hospital for standard treatment to avoid unnecessary complications. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What causes epididymitis?

The occurrence of epididymitis is primarily due to the inflammatory reaction caused by pathogenic microbial infections of the epididymis, with common pathogens including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is mainly due to previous conditions such as urethritis, bacterial prostatitis, and vesiculitis not being timely treated, allowing the pathogenic microbes to gradually spread along the vas deferens to the epididymis, leading to inflammation. Epididymitis may also occur due to prolonged use of urinary catheters or post-prostate resection surgery. After the onset of epididymitis, the epididymis will exhibit symptoms of enlargement and pain. It is necessary to promptly use antibiotics for treatment. During the treatment period, attention should be paid to a light diet; avoid spicy and irritating foods, lie flat as much as possible, and elevate the scrotum. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)

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Urology
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Can you drink alcohol during epididymitis?

Drinking alcohol is prohibited during epididymitis as it can exacerbate the inflammation and hinder the treatment of the disease. Additionally, antibiotics are required during this period, and drinking alcohol can react adversely with these antibiotics. Therefore, alcohol consumption is forbidden during the treatment of epididymitis. Besides abstaining from alcohol, it is also important to maintain a light diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods, such as onions, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers; these should be consumed minimally or not at all. Moreover, it is essential to rest as much as possible, ideally with bed rest, keeping the scrotum elevated to promote local blood circulation. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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What should I do if I have an epididymal nodule?

Many patients who have suffered from epididymitis will have a hard, smooth-surfaced, slightly tender, or asymptomatic nodule left on the epididymis after the swelling subsides and pain is controlled. This type of nodule is also referred to as a negative nodule. These nodules are difficult to completely eliminate with antibiotics, or may not be eliminated at all. If the patient does not have significant discomfort, no special treatment is necessary. If the presence of the nodule leads to recurrent inflammation or significant pain, affecting the patient's normal work and life, it may be considered to apply local heat or gently massage to promote the reduction of the nodule. If these treatments do not effectively improve the condition, it is recommended to surgically remove the nodule from the epididymis.

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Written by Wang Shuai
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How can an epididymal nodule be eliminated?

A significant portion of patients with epididymitis will have a hard nodule left at the site of the epididymis after inflammation control. This nodule is difficult to eliminate through medication. If the patient does not experience discomfort later on, local heat application or massage can be used to help dissipate the nodule. If the nodule does not cause any particular symptoms, no special treatment is needed. However, if the nodule is associated with significant pain or causes recurrent epididymitis, surgical removal of the epididymal nodule is recommended. After the surgery, timely anti-inflammatory treatment should be administered, and the wound should be kept clean and dry. Generally, recovery can be expected in about a week.