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Urology (Expert Forum)
epididymitis recovery times
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
epididymitis recovery times
by Tokyo, Mar 11, 2007 12:00AM
After several courses of antibiotics/NSAIDS over several months my urologist has told me that, in all probability, I will never recover from epididymitis and will just have to learn to live with it. He seems to believe that if I am not one of the people who recover quickly then it will just continue. However, I can't believe that this is an either/or situation. Another urologist has said that some people just take much longer to recover, but that it's not necessarily a lifelong problem. However, this may simply be an attempt to reassure me. I would like to know if there are people who recover after a longer period and the likelihood of this. Is it rare? Or do urologists see many patients who take longer, but do eventually recover? How hopeful should I be of recovery, or is it such a rare occurrence that I should prepare myself for the worst?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 11, 2007 12:00AM
, Mar 11, 2007 12:00AM
There certainly can be variation for the recovery time of epididymitis. Obtaining appropriate urine cultures to test bacterial sensitivity for the antibiotics can be considered.
A prostate exam and/or transrectal ultrasound should also be done to exclude chronic prostatitis.
If the symptoms persist, and the infection appropriately treated, there may indeed be nothing more you can do other than supportive measures.
A referral to a pain clinic, or another urologist, can be considered in this case.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
A prostate exam and/or transrectal ultrasound should also be done to exclude chronic prostatitis.
If the symptoms persist, and the infection appropriately treated, there may indeed be nothing more you can do other than supportive measures.
A referral to a pain clinic, or another urologist, can be considered in this case.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
