epididymis cyst

Hello, Recently I went to the doctor do to some testicular pain. As it turns out I have a cyst on my left epididymis. Now I didn't notice this problem until I strained myself exercising. I thought I had a hernia, but I don't. Thinking back there was another time I felt pain while exercising in my right testical. My questions are could this cyst have developed do to the exercise I was doing? Or is it more likely that the exercise is revealing an existing problem? Why is the pain sometimes in different places other than where this cyst is(i.e. right testicle, above penis, behind both testicles)? My doctor says this is very common and I didn't think to ask him any of these questions at the time. I saw him 2 days ago, how long should I give the anti-inflammatories he prescribed(bextra valdecoxib) to work before seeking further treatment? Is there anything I can do to help correct this problem other than reducing the intensity of my exercise? Thank you very much for your help!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Epididymal cysts are generally asymptomatic. They occur with increased frequency in male offspring of mothers who used diethylstilbesterol during pregnancy. These are usually not mistaken for other scrotal pathology, and they can be well demonstrated on scrotal ultrasound if the clinical examination is not-revealing. No treatment is normally required.

It is unlikely that the cyst developed during your exercise regimen.  If there is pain in areas other than the cyst, you may want to consider alternative diagnoses.  This would include an infection or prostatitis.  I would suggest a urine test to evaluate for gonorrhea/chlaymdia, as well as a thorough evaluation of the prostate - either via a digital rectal exam or transrectal ultrasound.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.