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 Wang Shuai
Urology
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How to exercise for self-healing of epididymal cysts

Epididymal cysts cannot heal through exercise alone. Also known as spermatocele, an epididymal cyst primarily occurs due to the blockage of the epididymal tubules, which can be caused by congenital factors or acquired factors such as infections or trauma. In most cases, epididymal cysts are small and the patient may not experience any discomfort. In such cases, no special treatment is needed; regular ultrasonic examinations at the hospital to monitor any changes in the size of the cyst are sufficient. However, some patients may have larger cysts that cause pain in the testicles and epididymis. For these cases, surgical removal of the cyst or aspiration of the fluid from the cyst can be considered.

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Written by Wang Shuai
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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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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How to treat epididymitis?

For the treatment of epididymitis, antibiotics are mainly used. Epididymitis is mostly caused by bacterial infections, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. In such cases, it is necessary to use fluoroquinolone antibiotics and cephalosporin antibiotics promptly. If it is caused by a viral infection, antiviral medications are recommended. During treatment, it is important to eat a light diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided. Patients should lie down as much as possible, rest, and elevate the scrotum, which helps the circulation of blood in the scrotum and testicles and aids in the improvement of the condition. Vigorous exercise or prolonged standing during treatment can worsen the condition. (The use of medications should be guided by a professional 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 Shen Jiang Chao
Radiology
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Epididymal cyst B-ultrasound manifestations

Epididymal cysts are formed due to the dilation of the efferent ductules and localized blockage of the epididymal duct, and they typically have characteristic appearances on ultrasound, showing as single or multiple anechoic areas. Epididymal cysts are usually located within the head of the epididymis and appear round or oval in shape with clear boundaries, varying in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. The cyst walls are thin, with good internal sound transmission, and there are generally no significant blood flow signals inside the cysts. Some parts of the cyst walls may calcify, appearing as strong echoic shadows. Epididymal cysts are a type of benign lesion.