Can you exercise with epididymitis?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Epididymitis refers to the condition where the epididymis becomes enlarged and painful due to infections caused by bacteria, viruses, etc. The testicle may also experience a significant sensation of heaviness and pain. In such cases, it is not advisable to engage in vigorous physical activities. Instead, it is recommended to lie down as flat as possible and elevate the scrotum, which helps in improving local blood circulation. If intense physical activities are performed during the treatment of epididymitis, it can exacerbate the condition, resulting in significant pain. Therefore, it is best to avoid vigorous exercises while suffering from epididymitis. Prompt anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary, and the diet should be as bland as possible, avoiding spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Symptoms of epididymitis

The main symptoms of epididymitis include enlargement of the epididymis, accompanied by noticeable pain. The skin of the scrotum will appear red and swollen, and touching the scrotum will reveal an increase in local skin temperature. If not treated in time, an epididymal abscess may develop, causing a palpable fluctuation when touching the epididymis. If not addressed promptly, the abscess may rupture, leading to the leakage of pus from the scrotum. If epididymitis is diagnosed, it is important to seek timely treatment at a hospital's urology department. Diagnosis is typically confirmed via ultrasound and a local physical examination, and prompt treatment with antibiotics is necessary. If an abscess has already formed, surgical incision and drainage may be required. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor, and self-medication should be avoided.)

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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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How is epididymitis caused?

Epididymitis refers to the inflammation of the epididymis, characterized by enlargement and pain, caused by infections from pathogens such as bacteria. The main cause of epididymitis is usually a preceding infection such as urethritis, bacterial prostatitis, or vesiculitis that was not timely treated. Bacteria spread along the vas deferens to the epididymis, leading to epididymitis. Additionally, trauma to the epididymis can also cause epididymitis. Another common scenario is related to certain medical procedures, such as prolonged catheterization or after undergoing plasma electrocautery surgery of the prostate, which can easily lead to epididymitis. Once epididymitis occurs, it is crucial to promptly treat it with antibiotics. During treatment, it is advisable to consume a light diet, avoid spicy and stimulating food, rest as much as possible in bed, and keep the scrotum elevated. (Specific medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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How many times a day should a hot compress be applied for epididymitis?

It is generally recommended to do this three to five times. Meanwhile, physical therapies like heat application can only alleviate symptoms. The core treatment still involves symptomatic supportive care. It is advised to visit the urology department as soon as possible for comprehensive examinations, such as an ultrasound and tests on prostate fluid or epididymal fluid. Following the results, the next steps can be planned. Regularly rest, pay attention to diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, adjust your mindset, and maintain a good mood. At the same time, actively pursue anti-inflammatory treatment. With proper control, recovery can often be quick, followed by regular reviews.

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Why is epididymitis getting more painful?

After suffering from epididymitis, the epididymis will show symptoms of enlargement and pain. If not treated promptly, the epididymis will further enlarge, and the pain will gradually become more pronounced, which is a normal phenomenon. However, if the pain continues to worsen despite active treatment, it should be considered that this may be due to a lack of attention to lifestyle care, such as engaging in vigorous exercise during treatment, or situations involving prolonged standing or sitting. Additionally, it is important to be vigilant about the possibility of testicular torsion accompanying epididymitis. Therefore, if the pain continues to worsen during the treatment of epididymitis, it is advisable to promptly re-examine the color Doppler ultrasound to understand the blood flow situation of the testicles and epididymis, and then proceed with targeted treatment.