How to treat epididymitis?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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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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.

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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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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.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Is epididymitis serious?

Whether epididymitis is severe depends on the patient's condition. If it is an early case of epididymitis, the epididymis may just be enlarged and painful, which is not very serious. Generally, using antibiotics and regular treatment, it can heal in about 1 to 2 weeks. However, if treatment is not administered in time, leading to abscesses in the epididymis and testicle, or even rupture of the abscesses, the situation is relatively severe. It requires immediate surgical intervention to drain the abscess. The prognosis thereafter is relatively poor, and it can easily lead to the possibility of testicular atrophy. Therefore, epididymitis should be treated promptly.

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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)