How Prolonged Sitting Contributes to Recurrent Epididymitis?

Epididymitis, an inflammation of the epididymis usually caused by bacterial infection, often occurs alongside conditions like seminal vesiculitis, prostatitis, or orchitis. Key symptoms include pain and swelling in the scrotal area, and in severe cases, fever, urinary frequency, and urgency. When chronic, epididymitis can recur frequently, causing significant distress. This problem is particularly prevalent among men with sedentary lifestyles, often exacerbated by prolonged sitting.

How Prolonged Sitting Causes Recurrent Epididymitis:

1. Impaired Blood Circulation:

Prolonged sitting impedes blood circulation in the lower limbs and pelvic area. Sitting for extended periods, especially with poor posture, obstructs the return of blood from the pelvis, leading to circulatory issues in the scrotal region. Blood stasis deprives epididymal tissues of oxygen, reducing local immunity and creating an environment conducive to bacterial infections, thereby triggering or worsening epididymitis.

2. Elevated Local Temperature:

Sitting for long durations subjects the testes to continuous pressure, causing the scrotum to remain in close contact with the seat cushion. This pressure, coupled with tight clothing, impairs local heat dissipation, raising the temperature around the testes. Normally, the testes require a specific temperature for proper sperm storage and maturation. Elevated temperatures are detrimental to sperm production and maturation and foster bacterial growth, increasing the risk of recurrence.

3. Increased Prostate Pressure:

Prolonged sitting exerts constant pressure on the prostate, potentially leading to poor drainage of prostatic fluid. This makes it easier for bacteria to move from the vas deferens to the epididymis, triggering infection. Additionally, prostatitis often coexists with epididymitis, and prolonged sitting can worsen prostatitis symptoms, indirectly inducing or aggravating epididymitis.

4. Influence of Lifestyle Habits:

Men who sit for long periods often exhibit a lack of physical activity, inadequate hydration, and poor urinary habits. These factors can disrupt the normal functioning of the genitourinary system, reducing the body's resistance to infections and increasing the risk of epididymitis recurrence.

Managing Recurrent Epididymitis Due to Prolonged Sitting:

1. Improve Posture:

Use ergonomically designed chairs and maintain good posture to avoid prolonged pressure on the scrotum. Regularly take breaks to stand up and walk for 5-10 minutes every hour, which helps improve pelvic blood circulation and reduce scrotal pressure.

2. Adjust Lifestyle Habits:

Ensure adequate hydration to promote urine excretion and reduce bacterial growth in the urinary tract. Maintain a regular sleep schedule to enhance immune function. Engage in moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, to improve blood circulation and overall health.

3. Personal Hygiene Management:

Keep the genital area clean and dry. Avoid tight or non-breathable underwear to prevent bacterial growth. Maintain hygiene before and after sexual activity, avoid unclean sexual behavior, and reduce the risk of infection. Address predisposing factors such as phimosis or urethral stricture promptly.

4. Timely Treatment of Relevant Conditions:

If conditions such as prostatitis or urethritis are identified, men should receive prompt treatment to prevent these conditions from progressing to epididymitis or causing its recurrence. Antibiotics can be used based on susceptibility testing. If antibiotics are ineffective or resistant, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) options, such as Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill, may be considered. This TCM formula, composed of over 50 selected Chinese herbs, has properties such as heat-clearing, detoxifying, blood-activating, stasis-removing, diuretic, and urine-clearing.

Other Causes of Recurrent Epididymitis:

1. Inadequate Treatment:

If a male develops epididymitis, prompt and thorough professional treatment is essential. Many male patients abandon treatment prematurely after some relief, leading to inadequate treatment and recurrent symptoms.

2. Improper Sexual Activity:

Some men neglect genital hygiene during sexual activity or engage excessively due to high sexual desire, leading to repeated symptoms due to inflammation.

3. Urinary Tract Infections:

Urinary tract infections are common inflammatory diseases. If not promptly treated, bacteria can ascend to the prostate gland and enter the reproductive organs, increasing the recurrence risk.

4. Improper Diet:

Regular intake of high-fat and high-calorie foods can easily cause inflammation. Under such circumstances, external factors can trigger recurrence.

5. Emotional Instability:

Epididymitis is closely related to emotions. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver plays a crucial role because it stores blood and affects emotions. Emotional instability or excessive stress can obstruct liver meridians, leading to qi and blood stagnation, impaired blood flow in the testicles, and recurrence.