Mycoplasma Genitalium - Epididymitis?

3 weeks ago I woke up with pain that extended from my lower back through my scrotal and testicular area and down my right leg.  Over the next week the pain in my back and leg went away but stayed in my testicular area.  It was very slight and only noticeable from time to time throughout the day.  I went to my PC doc and he said I probably have a slight case of epididymitis.  He prescribed Cipro, bid for 10 days.  Before I began the antibiotic treatment I was tested for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphillis (syphilis), HIV, Herpes and Hepatitis, all of which came back negative.  The pain in my testicles still has not completely gone away.  It is not a constant pain, but I can still feel it from time to time.  

My sexual background is that i have been in a monogamous relationship with my wife for 12 years.  I don't believe she has cheated on me, but I don't want to be naive either as I am gone a lot with work.

I have been reading online a lot about the prevalence of mycoplasma genitalium.  Is it possible that my epididymitis may have been caused by mycoplasma genitalium since I have not been tested for it?  Does the pain that I described sound like epididymitis?  Would the cipro that I was prescribed have eliminated the mycoplasma infection?  Could my symptoms be caused by something fungal as my wife has a history of yeast infections?  Do you have any other suggestions?  As I said the pain in my testicles is not severe, but it still does not feel right.

PS  I did have a vasectomy a year and a half ago.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Here on the Forum we try not to differ with the opinion of our clients' doctors, particularly when they have had the chance to examine you and we have not. Your symptoms however would be an unusual presentation of epididymitis which is very rareley associated with back pain.  

Either way, while M. genitalium is increasing recognized as a cause of STD symptoms, it remains a rare cause of epididymitis. Furthermore, in addition to your unusual presentation  you really are not in a high risk situation for getting any STD. Finally, please be aware that much epididymitis is not an STD but a urinary tract infection.

Bottom line, it sounds as though you are getting better and I suspect you will continue to do so.  If your symptoms worse, then you may want to return to your doctor but I would not be too worried that this is an STD.

Hope this helps.  EWH

[dexter91]

How about my question regarding, "could the pain be related to a male yeast infection?".

The Reason I ask is that my wife gets occasional yeast infections.  Also, i currently have dry, hard skin on the tip of my penis?  Does the dry, hard skin sound like a symptom of a yeast infection?  And, could a yeast infection cause slight pain in my scrotal or testicular area?

Thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, yeast infections would not account for these symptoms.  Yeast infection can cause changes to the skin of the penis but it would not account for your testicular discomfort.  EWH

[dexter91]

Thanks!  My last question, is it possible that a pinched nerve in my back could be presenting as testicular pain?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Yes, it certainly could.  EWH

[dexter91]

Okay, this is my last question, I promise.  Is it even possible to get epididymitis years after a vasectomy since there is no direct connection between the urethra and the epididymis since the vas deferens were cut?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No it would be most unusual to get sexually transmitted epidiidymitis following vasectomy.  Soon after vasectomy a post surgical infection might occur but years later there should not be a concern.  EWH