Why is epididymitis getting more painful?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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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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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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Urology
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Epididymitis and orchitis, what is the difference?

The epididymis and testicles are both part of the male reproductive organs. The epididymis is an accessory gland of the testicle and is located adjacent to it. If epididymitis or orchitis occurs, it is difficult to distinguish between them based on symptoms alone, as both conditions can cause noticeable enlargement and pain of the scrotum, but further examination is required for a definitive diagnosis. During a physical examination, it can be observed that patients with epididymitis have a noticeably enlarged epididymis, while the enlargement of the testicle is not as prominent. Conversely, with orchitis, the testicle is significantly enlarged, while the enlargement of the epididymis is less noticeable. Since these two organs are adjacent, epididymitis often occurs with orchitis, and vice versa. Clarification typically requires examinations such as ultrasonography. However, there are no significant differences in the treatment of these two conditions, so they are often collectively referred to as epididymo-orchitis.

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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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Urology
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Can you exercise with epididymitis?

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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Urology
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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.