What causes acute epididymitis? Let’s find out!

Some people are particularly surprised after being diagnosed with acute epididymitis. They have always believed that they have good living habits, pay attention to hygiene, and are in good physical condition. How could they have contracted this disease? The following will reveal to you the common causes of this disease.

1. Epididymitis is a common disease in young and middle-aged men. It is caused by pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus or Streptococcus entering the epididymis retrogradely through the vas deferens. Therefore, this disease is often secondary to posterior urethritis, prostatitis and seminal vesiculitis, or occurs after urethral instrumentation or long-term indwelling catheterization, and infection is more common in retrograde routes. Clinically, it is divided into two categories: acute epididymitis and chronic epididymitis.

2. Acute epididymitis is a rapid disease, characterized by swelling and discomfort of the affected scrotum, severe local pain, and even affecting movement. The pain can radiate to the ipsilateral inguinal region and lower abdomen, accompanied by general discomfort and high fever. Physical examination: The affected epididymis is enlarged and tender. When the inflammation is severe, it can affect the testicles and the scrotal skin may become red and swollen.

3. Chronic epididymitis is more common than acute epididymitis. Some patients fail to recover in the acute stage and become chronic. Most patients have no history of acute attacks and are often accompanied by chronic prostatitis. The clinical manifestations of this disease are diverse, with scrotal pain and swelling, and the pain can radiate to the lower abdomen and the inner thigh on the same side. Physical examination can touch the epididymis to be slightly enlarged, hardened and with nodules, local mild tenderness, and thickened ureter on the same side. Chronic epididymitis can often be acute.

4. Clinical treatment is mainly anti-inflammatory and local treatment. Acute epididymitis advocates that patients rest in bed and hold up the scrotum to relieve pain. In the early stage, ice packs can be placed on the epididymis to prevent swelling. In the late stage, hot compresses can be used to promote local blood circulation and accelerate the disappearance of inflammation. Because it is an infection, anti-infection treatment should be carried out. In clinical practice, the "Jisheng Guqi Recipe" is often used. For systemic symptoms such as pain and fever, the Jisheng Guqi Recipe should be used to treat the symptoms. Acute symptoms gradually disappear in about 1 to 2 weeks, but it takes 4 weeks or more for the epididymis to return to normal size and texture, and complications are rare. Chronic cases depend on the specific situation.