My problems started with a UTI following unprotected oral sex (receiving, I'm male), bacteria confirmed in the urine by a simple stick test. Antibiotics (nitrofurantoin) failed to resolve the problem, then white blood cells detected in urine by the stick test, so different antibiotics (amoxicillin) prescribed, again without effect. These symptoms were a constant burning feeling at the urethra and increased frequency/urge to urinate (every 2 hours).
After 2 weeks I noticed pain in left testicle, diagnosed as epididymitis, antibiotics (Levofloxacin) prescribed and had an immediate effect in reducing pain, but 2 months later the problems have not resolved completely.
I still have an increased urge/frequency to urinate (every 3-4 hours), occasional tingling/burning in urethra and a dull pain in the left testicle which can vary from irritating to barely noticeable. I'm able to sleep through the night without getting up to urinate. These symptoms can vary from day to day, sometimes barely noticeable, other days they can be irritating. Pain in the testicle seems to peak when I don't go to the toilet for a while, particularly after I wake up in the morning. Sleeping on my side also makes things worse, especially if I'm putting pressure on the affected testicle (I usually sleep on my back now). Not wearing supporting underwear at night also makes testicle pain worse.
Since the Levofloxacin I've been on no medication whatsoever (6 weeks).
Since the stick test was performed on my urine, subsequent urine cultures have all been negative for bacteria. My prostate has been examined and it appears to be fine. An ultrasound scan of my testicles reveals them to be normal and no epididymitis is present any more, apart from a slight excess of liquid on one of them, but the doctor says this isn't so unusual.
Ejaculation was causing pain afterwards in my left testicle, now that doesn't happen, but it does seem to trigger burning in the urethra for 1-2 days.
So why should I still be suffering from a UTI-like problem when clearly there's no bacteria present ?
My urologists just shrug their shoulders and say they don't know whats going on, come back in 3 months time and see what happens.
Or should I simply be more patient in waiting for the symptoms to subside on their own ? What sort of recovery time should I be looking at ?