Patient's question:
On Wednesday evening, I had pain in the left testicle and lower abdomen. The testicle had enlarged! When I went to the hospital for a check-up, the doctor said it was epididymitis. I received injections for three days, and the pain in the testicle went away. However, it is still very large! I asked the doctor about the situation, and he said there was nothing wrong. But I still don't feel completely at ease! I want to ask—is this normal?Doctor's answer:
Generally, with proper treatment, recovery can be achieved within two weeks!1. Special Treatment
If the patient seeks medical attention within 24 hours of onset, a local infiltration anesthetic using 20ml of 1% procaine or lidocaine can be administered to the spermatic cord above the testicle. This may completely alleviate the condition, with body temperature typically falling rapidly and pain disappearing entirely. Inflammatory masses may be absorbed within a few days. If a single injection does not achieve the desired effect, a second injection can be administered the next day. Antibiotics are helpful in treatment, and secondary cystitis will be quickly cured. The choice of antibiotics should be based on bacterial culture and drug sensitivity tests. Commonly used medications include second- and third-generation quinolone drugs such as compound sulfamethoxazole, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin, as well as cephalosporin drugs, all of which have good efficacy.
2. General Treatment
During the acute phase (3–4 days), bed rest should be maintained. The use of a scrotal support can alleviate symptoms, and a homemade scrotal support with a cotton pad is more comfortable. Severe pain can be relieved with analgesics, and local heat therapy can alleviate symptoms and promote the resolution of inflammation. However, early use of heat therapy may worsen pain and carry the risk of spreading infection, so local cold compresses with ice packs are recommended in the early stages. Sexual activity and physical labor can worsen the infection, so they should be avoided.
(8) Prognosis
The treatment of acute epididymitis is relatively effective, with symptoms gradually disappearing within 1–2 weeks. However, it may take 4 weeks or longer for the epididymis to return to its normal size and texture. Complications are uncommon, but bilateral epididymitis may lead to infertility. Wishing you good health.