Can you drink alcohol during epididymitis?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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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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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Does epididymitis require surgery?

Patients with epididymitis generally do not require surgical treatment. In most cases, they are treated with oral medications or intravenous antibiotics, and typically recover within 1 to 2 weeks of treatment. However, if the symptoms of epididymitis are severe and not treated in time, leading to further aggravation of the condition or even formation of an epididymal abscess, surgical intervention may be necessary. Typically, this involves incision and drainage of the abscess to remove pus from the body. It is also important to regularly change dressings and keep the wound area clean and dry until it gradually heals. (Please administer medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Do you need to avoid certain foods if you have epididymitis?

After being diagnosed with epididymitis, there are dietary restrictions to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind regarding your diet: First, it's important to eat lightly. Avoid spicy and irritating foods such as onions, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. Try to eat these sparingly or not at all. Also, avoid drinking strong tea, coffee, and other stimulating beverages. It's necessary to quit smoking and drinking alcohol, and instead, increase your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits to boost your vitamin intake. Beyond diet, there are also lifestyle considerations to keep in mind. Try to lie flat as much as possible and keep your scrotum elevated. This can promote local blood circulation, which is beneficial for the treatment of the condition. Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged sitting or standing.

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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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Is bed rest necessary for epididymitis?

After the occurrence of epididymitis, the epididymis will enlarge to various extents, accompanied by pain, and the weight of the epididymis will significantly increase. In such cases, if the patient stands or sits for extended periods, the pain becomes more noticeable and is not conducive to treating the condition. Frequent prolonged sitting or standing, or even intense physical activity, could potentially lead to the risk of testicular torsion. Therefore, after being diagnosed with epididymitis, doctors usually advise patients to lie flat as much as possible. It is best to elevate the scrotum while lying flat, as this helps with local blood circulation and positively affects the treatment of the condition. If there is a need for special circumstances requiring some activity, it is best to use a scrotal support to lift the scrotum.