How is epididymitis caused?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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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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Written by Wang Shuai
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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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
1min 9sec home-news-image

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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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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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.

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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)