From the Guidelines
Ejaculation should be discontinued in cases of epididymitis to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Treatment Approach
- Patients diagnosed with epididymitis are generally advised to avoid ejaculation for a period of time to reduce inflammation and promote healing 1.
- As an adjunct to therapy, bed rest, scrotal elevation, and analgesics are recommended until fever and local inflammation have subsided 1.
Medications
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
- Antibiotics may be administered to treat underlying bacterial infections, such as those caused by C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae 1.
Recovery
- Abstaining from ejaculation during the recovery period can help minimize discomfort and support the recovery process.
- It is essential to complete the full course of antibiotic therapy as directed by the healthcare provider to ensure effective treatment and prevent potential complications, such as infertility or chronic pain 1.
From the Research
Epididymitis and Ejaculation
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that ejaculation should be discontinued in cases of epididymitis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A study on sexual function after surgical treatment of acute epididymitis found that operative management produced better therapeutic results compared to conservative treatment, but it did not address the issue of ejaculation 2.
- Another study on differential immune response to infection and acute inflammation along the epididymis discussed the immunological characteristics of the epididymis, but did not provide information on the effects of ejaculation on epididymitis 3.
- A study on the effects of ejaculatory abstinence on sperm function found that one day of abstinence was better than four days for sperm function, but it did not specifically address the issue of epididymitis 4.
- Other studies on epididymitis discussed the tissue penetration of antibiotics and the relationship between seminal vesiculitis and epididymitis, but did not provide information on the effects of ejaculation on epididymitis 5, 6.
Sperm Function and Ejaculation
- A study found that one day of ejaculatory abstinence was better than four days for sperm function, suggesting that frequent ejaculation may not be harmful to sperm quality 4.
- However, this study did not specifically address the issue of epididymitis, and its findings may not be applicable to cases of inflammation or infection.
Epididymitis Treatment
- The treatment of epididymitis typically involves antibiotics and supportive care, but the role of ejaculation in the treatment of epididymitis is not well established 2, 3, 5, 6.
- Further research is needed to determine the effects of ejaculation on epididymitis and to develop evidence-based guidelines for the management of this condition.