Do NSAIDs Help Relieve Epididymitis Pain?

Some readers were confused after the diagnosis of epididymitis: "Isn't the ibuprofen prescribed by the doctor an antipyretic?" Can you really cure my pain? Men are prone to panic when they encounter such private health problems, and medication questions are even more common. 

Next, let's talk about whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve epididymitis pain and what we should pay attention to.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to relieve epididymitis pain. To understand the effects of drugs, we must first understand the root cause of pain—it is not a simple external injury but a "chain reaction" caused by inflammation.

Once the epididymis is invaded by bacteria or other factors, it will become congested and swollen, stimulating peripheral nerve endings; pain may radiate to the groin and lower abdomen and even affect walking in severe cases, let alone normal life.

The advantage of NSAIDs is to precisely combat this "inflammatory pain." It does not "numb" nerves like anesthetics but inhibits the production of prostaglandins and other inflammatory factors from the source.

The inflammation subsides, the swelling is reduced, and the pain of epididymitis is relieved naturally. This is like a leaky water pipe in your home. It can wipe away the water (relieve pain) and repair the water pipe (anti-inflammatory). It is a practical helper for both symptoms and causes.

What are the Common NSAIDs, and How Can You Take Them Safely?

Ibuprofen is the best known of these drugs. Naproxen and diclofenac sodium are also commonly used and sold in pharmacies. However, it must not be taken at will, and there are strict standards for dosage and frequency. 

In the case of ibuprofen, the normal dose for adults is 200-400 mg (about 1-2 regular tablets) every 4-6 hours, but the total daily dose should never exceed 3200 mg (that is, up to 16 tablets of 200 mg/tablet). 

Do not increase the amount without authorization because of the aggravation of pain. Excessive use will seriously stimulate the gastric mucosa and even cause gastric bleeding, with serious consequences. 

Naproxen is used in a slightly different way. It is usually 250 mg twice daily. When epididymitis ache is apparent, it can take 500 milligrams to adjust again first. Whichever you choose, it is recommended to buy it with a prescription. 

Actively inform the doctor of the degree of pain and underlying medical history (such as a gastric ulcer), and let the doctor customize the dosage. If you are temporarily unable to seek medical treatment, be sure to read the instructions carefully and stop using drugs immediately.

Somebody can ask, "Eating ibuprofen to not ache, to be cured?" It must be clear that NSAIDs are mainly used to "relieve symptoms" and can not "cure the cause." The causes of epididymitis are different, and the treatment options are very different.

Understand What's Really Causing the Pain of Epididymitis

Bacterial infection is the most common cause of epididymitis, mostly caused by the spread of urinary tract infection and prostatitis. In this case, NSAIDs alone are "palliative" and must be combined with antibiotics. Doctors often prescribe cephalosporin or quinolone antibiotics, and ciprofloxacin is commonly used.

Note: Take the medicine strictly according to the course of treatment. It is strictly prohibited to stop taking the medicine without permission. Even if the pain disappears after two or three days of medication, the bacteria may not be completely eliminated, and unauthorized withdrawal can easily lead to recurrence or even drug resistance, which increases the difficulty of follow-up treatment.

In addition, some cases of epididymitis have nothing to do with bacteria, which are caused by trauma, sedentary lifestyle, frequent sexual activity, and other factors. This condition may not require antibiotics, but doctors will still prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control inflammation while taking the Chinese patent medicine Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill to treat it.

The Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill developed by Dr. Li's clinic has significant advantages in epididymitis conditioning. It can clear away heat and toxic materials, promote urination and treat stranguria, remove damp-heat and stasis in the body, and improve the blood circulation of the epididymis. 

Moreover, it regulates the reproductive system environment as a whole, which not only relieves the discomfort of epididymitis, such as pain and swelling, but also helps to dissipate inflammation and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Note: No matter what the cause, the key is to seek medical examination first, clear the cause of the disease after treatment in accordance with medical supervision, and do not delay the condition of self-medication.

Combine NSAIDs with These Methods for Much Better Results

Drugs are the core of treatment, but with physical means and life adjustment, they can accelerate recovery and reduce the dosage. The following are recommended practical tips:

Ice compresses: When epididymitis pain breaks out, wrap the ice bag with a towel and apply it to the scrotum for about 20 minutes each time, and repeat at an interval of 1 hour. Low temperature can contract local blood vessels and relieve swelling and pain. Note: Avoid direct ice contact with the skin to prevent frostbite. A towel wrapped in two or three layers can be.

Raise the scrotum: When lying in bed, roll a towel into a small pillow under the scrotum and raise it to the level of the heart. This action can reduce scrotal blood stasis, and the pain will be relieved naturally after the swelling is relieved. When conditions permit, buy a special scrotum support, which is more convenient to wear and can also play a supporting role when walking.

Rest and diet taboos: for acute epididymitis, be sure to rest in bed, and do not insist on going to work. Vigorous exercise and heavy physical work are absolutely prohibited. Avoid sitting even for a long time, and get up and move every half hour.

Diet should be light; avoid spicy, stimulating food and alcohol, which will aggravate inflammation. Sexual life also needs to be suspended until the doctor confirms complete recovery; otherwise, it may lead to repeated inflammation.

Things to Watch Out for When Taking NSAIDs

Many people have misunderstandings about NSAIDs, either because they are "three poisons of drugs" and dare not take them or because they regard them as "ordinary painkillers" to take at will, both of which are incorrect. Only by mastering the following details can we achieve safe and effective medication:

Be alert to gastrointestinal reactions. These drugs are irritating to the gastric mucosa. If you suffer from gastritis, gastric ulcer, or stomachache at ordinary times, it is recommended to take it after meals or ask your doctor to take protective drugs for the gastric mucosa. 

If symptoms such as stomachache, acid reflux, and melena occur after taking the medicine, it is necessary to stop taking the medicine and seek medical treatment immediately.

Avoid superimposition of NSAIDs. Some people think that "one drug is not effective enough to take more than one," such as taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen together. Or superimpose pain-relieving ingredients in compound cold medicines, which can easily lead to overdose and damage liver and kidney function. 

Be sure to check the ingredient list before taking the medicine to avoid repeated use of the medicine.

Close observation of symptoms and timely follow-up. If the pain is not relieved or even aggravated after 3 days of medication, or fever, scrotal skin redness and burning, dysuria, and other conditions occur, it is necessary to return immediately. 

This may mean that the condition is aggravated and the treatment plan needs to be adjusted. Such as switching to intravenous antibiotics or even surgical intervention.

Conclusion

Epididymitis is a common disease of the male reproductive system. However, many men miss the best treatment opportunity because of the privacy of morbidity, either hard carrying delay or self-medication.

NSAIDs are the right assistant to relieve the pain of epididymitis, but they are not a "panacea." It must be used in accordance with the doctor's plan on the basis of clearing the etiology. At the same time, do a good job of resting and daily care in order to recover faster.