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Epiditymitis after antibiotic treatment?
While away on business I noticed a lump in my scrotum. I went online to see what it potentially was. I found cancer, groin pull, or an std (chlamydia or gonnorhea). After further investigation I suspected it was an std. The lump started in my lower abdomen and continued to my testicle on the right side. However it did not actually extend to the testicle itself. Being away I could not make an appointment with my physician. I was able to get my hands on an antibiotic Zmax (2g azithromycin)from a friend who always travels with an antibiotic. However, what I am assuming is an inflamation of the epididymis has not gone away.
I have an appointment with my doctor next week. However I am still freaking out. Assuming I have made the right diagnosis how long does it take for the inflammation to go away? Did I take the correct medicine? Could it be something else (cancer)?
P.s. I have had sex with two woman in the past month. One with a condom and one once without.
I have an appointment with my doctor next week. However I am still freaking out. Assuming I have made the right diagnosis how long does it take for the inflammation to go away? Did I take the correct medicine? Could it be something else (cancer)?
P.s. I have had sex with two woman in the past month. One with a condom and one once without.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This doesn't sound like epididymitis, which does not start with a "lump in the lower abdomen" that extends into the scrotum; and epididymitis involves the testicle itself. Severe pain (which presumably you would have mentioned) is the dominant symptom in sexually acquired epididymitis, and the swelling of the testicle usually is diffuse, not just a discrete lump. And most (but not all) sexually acquired epididiymitis is associated with symptomatic urethritis, i.e. abnormal penile discharge and pain or discomfort on urinating.
In any case, you will never know for sure about STDs as a cause; the azithromycin will have eradicated either gonorrhea or chlamydia, the almost-exclusive causes of sexually acquired epididymitis. Self-treatment was not a smart move. But since epididymitis is extremely unlikely, it probably makes no difference.
As to what you have, I can only speculate. A mass starting in the abdomen and extending into the scrotum sounds most like a hernia. You are right to be concerned about testicular cancer, the most common malignancy in young men. However, if you are right that the lump "did not extend to the testicle itself" then it almost certainly isn't cancer (and also not epididymitis). Other common causes of scrotal masses include hydrocele (a fluid-filled cyst), spermatocele (sperm-filled cyst in the spermatic cord, the "cord" you can feel that leads upward from each testicle), fibroma (fibrous tumor), lipoma (fatty tumor). All of these are benign, with no serious health outcome.
Bottom line: Don't worry much about an STD or other serious outcome. But see a health care provider soon for a definitive evaluation.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
In any case, you will never know for sure about STDs as a cause; the azithromycin will have eradicated either gonorrhea or chlamydia, the almost-exclusive causes of sexually acquired epididymitis. Self-treatment was not a smart move. But since epididymitis is extremely unlikely, it probably makes no difference.
As to what you have, I can only speculate. A mass starting in the abdomen and extending into the scrotum sounds most like a hernia. You are right to be concerned about testicular cancer, the most common malignancy in young men. However, if you are right that the lump "did not extend to the testicle itself" then it almost certainly isn't cancer (and also not epididymitis). Other common causes of scrotal masses include hydrocele (a fluid-filled cyst), spermatocele (sperm-filled cyst in the spermatic cord, the "cord" you can feel that leads upward from each testicle), fibroma (fibrous tumor), lipoma (fatty tumor). All of these are benign, with no serious health outcome.
Bottom line: Don't worry much about an STD or other serious outcome. But see a health care provider soon for a definitive evaluation.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
P.s I had oral sex with both woman, gave not recieved. Can you get an infection this way?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No, you can't get a genital infection by oral exposure to another person's genitals.
HHH, MD
HHH, MD
Doc,
Thanks for the info. It actually feels like the vas deferen on the right side is hard down to the epididymis, but the epididymis is not hard nor is the testicle. The swelling in the abdomin is the vas deferen entering the body. The groin does not hurt to touch but I do notice mild discomfort. Any additional info would be appreciated.
Thanks for the info. It actually feels like the vas deferen on the right side is hard down to the epididymis, but the epididymis is not hard nor is the testicle. The swelling in the abdomin is the vas deferen entering the body. The groin does not hurt to touch but I do notice mild discomfort. Any additional info would be appreciated.
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
