Epididymitis Questions-Need help

[ruddb2000]

One Sunday, after walking, I had some swelling of the testicle and it hurt to touch. My doctor said he felt I had epididymitis. He prescribed Bactrim for 1 week. I felt much better and finished the medication after a few days pain started back up and I called about getting a refill, which he did and it didn’t work. I made an appointment to see my doctor and he proceeded to give me a two week dose of Cipro. He stated if that didn't take care of it I would go and see a Urologist. That medicine did not help the symptoms and I would still get severe pain. This past Tuesday I went in for an appointment with a Urologist and got tests and ultrasounds completed. Than went back in the room. When I got into the waiting room I was told I had Chemical Epididymitis (urine reflux and gets into the reproductive system). The doctor told me that I would have to wait and let the infection run its course and that I should take Alieve to alleviate the pain. Because I had been on two different antibiotics he didn't want to prescribe any others and said that I could have symptoms for up to 6 months. I was not to do any lifting or strenuous exercise during this time. He than told me to come in for a follow up visit in Sep. I’m a 28 year old, used to masturbate (no longer masturbate) a lot and have never had sex. Since I left the office I have come up with many questions that I wish to be answered.

1. Is it common to not prescribe antibiotics for epididymitis? 2. What is the likelihood it spreads to the testicles-especially without medication? 3. Is there a chance that I could become infertile? 4. Is there anything I can do to help speed the recovery? (Any over the counter medicines or drinks foods I should be having) 5. Is there anything I can do for the pain when it comes? 6. What is the likelihood that this becomes Chronic Epididymitis? 7. Should I go and get checked out by a second Urologist and third doctor? 8. I've heard that it may just be inflammation-is that what Alieve is for?

[ruddb2000]

Thanks for your suggestions. I will start drinking more cranberry juice. I appreciate your insight in knowing it took awhile for it to heal.

[confused101282]

im 27 and i also had epididymitis they first put me on cipro and it did not work after that they put me on doxycycline and that ended up releiving my pain but i did not feel fully better until about 3 months after taking the last medication its been about 8 months since the last medication and although i havent had the epididymitus return every once in a blue i get a sharp tingling pain in my testicle that goes away as fast as it comes my doctor also told me that you will still have slight symptoms months after the medication and being that you had it onse it is possible for you to get infected again but i have felt alot better and the pain has not returned so far i know it is very painful and stressful the epdimal tubes are very sensitive and that  is way they take so long to heal even after your medication but if your still in alot if pain maybe you should go get asecond opinion from another urologist but if it is not severe pain maybe the anibiotics did iits job and you just have to wait until your tubes heal i cant answer all your questions as i am not a doctor but but i to have heard that there is a possibility of becoming infertile although the chances are low if you have only been infected in one of your testicles my doc told me to help with a speedy recovery to drink lots of water cranberry juice and to sit in a hot bath for a bout 20 minutes once a day also stay away from spicy food alcohol and coffee because it can irritate it and were briefs or under wear that will keep your scrotum elevated so that they dont hang as much because the weight of the testicle alone can irritate it as well hope that ive been some help to you hope you feel better