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Urethritis, Epididymitis-orchitis or Varicoceles?
I have suffered from frequent urinary tract infections (because of unprotected oral sex) in the last 5 years. I have been treated with antibiotics each time successfully.
Since last year, I stopped having even unprotected oral sex and have largely abstained form sex. I had urethritis symptoms in May 2012 and October 2012 and urine tests always came back normal. I was still prescribed cefuroxime.
In November 2012, I tested myself for HIV, VDRL, Hepatitis B and C and all turned out to be negative. My urine tests were clear too. I was asymptomatic at this time. In January 2013 last week, I developed testicular pain (mild, dragging) and I saw urologist #1 on February 13th, 2013, who prescribed doxycycline for 10 days. With doxycycline, the pain seemed to reduce a bit but after 10 days, the pain returned.
Another urologist`(urologist #2) prescribed Azithromycine (just one dose) and doxycycline for a further 7 days on 26th of February, 2013.
On the 5th of March, I went to my GP who said it is epididymitis-orchitis and prescribed cefuroxime for 7 days. The testicle seemed swelled and the pain radiated to my abdomen and thighs. The antibiotics and pain killers just didn't help. On the 12th of March, 2013, I saw my GP again who referred me to a general surgeon He checked my testicles and said it is epididymytis and asked for a Urine routine/culture, semen routine/culture and lower abdomen (prostatic) and scrotal ultrasounds. All the tests came out normal but the ultrasound found left mild varicoceles. I immediately asked a third urologist (urologist #3) who said all my symptoms are because of varicoceles, I must wear a jockstrap and that I should get a surgery.
My question is, I never had testicular pain in my life and varicoceles never bothered me. I have been getting recurrent urethritis on and off. Since one week I experience painful ejaculation and urination as well, and these can't be symptoms of varicoceles as far as I know. If all tests are clear and there is no infection, why do I still suffer radiating pain (which is a symptom of epidedymitis) and not just dull dragging pain in the scrotum? Also, it does not explain my painful urination and ejaculation.
I am going to see the urologist #1 again tomorrow but they do not have any time to answer my questions and get irritated even after charging a bomb for consultation.
My GP is not friendly any more and he thinks I am overly sensitive and I must just forget about it as there is no infection. But I cant forget constant radiating testicular pain (jockstraps are of little help) and burning sensation during ejaculation and urination.
What do you suggest?
Since last year, I stopped having even unprotected oral sex and have largely abstained form sex. I had urethritis symptoms in May 2012 and October 2012 and urine tests always came back normal. I was still prescribed cefuroxime.
In November 2012, I tested myself for HIV, VDRL, Hepatitis B and C and all turned out to be negative. My urine tests were clear too. I was asymptomatic at this time. In January 2013 last week, I developed testicular pain (mild, dragging) and I saw urologist #1 on February 13th, 2013, who prescribed doxycycline for 10 days. With doxycycline, the pain seemed to reduce a bit but after 10 days, the pain returned.
Another urologist`(urologist #2) prescribed Azithromycine (just one dose) and doxycycline for a further 7 days on 26th of February, 2013.
On the 5th of March, I went to my GP who said it is epididymitis-orchitis and prescribed cefuroxime for 7 days. The testicle seemed swelled and the pain radiated to my abdomen and thighs. The antibiotics and pain killers just didn't help. On the 12th of March, 2013, I saw my GP again who referred me to a general surgeon He checked my testicles and said it is epididymytis and asked for a Urine routine/culture, semen routine/culture and lower abdomen (prostatic) and scrotal ultrasounds. All the tests came out normal but the ultrasound found left mild varicoceles. I immediately asked a third urologist (urologist #3) who said all my symptoms are because of varicoceles, I must wear a jockstrap and that I should get a surgery.
My question is, I never had testicular pain in my life and varicoceles never bothered me. I have been getting recurrent urethritis on and off. Since one week I experience painful ejaculation and urination as well, and these can't be symptoms of varicoceles as far as I know. If all tests are clear and there is no infection, why do I still suffer radiating pain (which is a symptom of epidedymitis) and not just dull dragging pain in the scrotum? Also, it does not explain my painful urination and ejaculation.
I am going to see the urologist #1 again tomorrow but they do not have any time to answer my questions and get irritated even after charging a bomb for consultation.
My GP is not friendly any more and he thinks I am overly sensitive and I must just forget about it as there is no infection. But I cant forget constant radiating testicular pain (jockstraps are of little help) and burning sensation during ejaculation and urination.
What do you suggest?
This is for others who have been wondering what happened to me. It turned out to be chronic prostatitis.. Without an infection in sight. Eventually, the pain and discomfort reduced. Now, I feel nothing. If I do not wear briefs, things get uncomfortable. So, I guess, there is a bit of varicocele trouble too. But nothing that I couldnt manage.
Dr. Kail,
Sorry for posting again. The new medicines had sort of reduced my pain and swelling to an extent. I went to the gym yesterday to workout (light workout) and the pain and swelling has returned. Also, I ejaculate very less after taking Urimax (Tamsulosin hydrochloride) 0.2. Is there a different medicine I could take? I have an appointment with the urologist tomorrow, as he had asked me to meet him after 7 days.
Sorry for posting again. The new medicines had sort of reduced my pain and swelling to an extent. I went to the gym yesterday to workout (light workout) and the pain and swelling has returned. Also, I ejaculate very less after taking Urimax (Tamsulosin hydrochloride) 0.2. Is there a different medicine I could take? I have an appointment with the urologist tomorrow, as he had asked me to meet him after 7 days.
Hi Dr. Kaul,
I went to the first urologist again and he prescribed me Urimax 0.2, Zanocin and voveran for 10 days and asked me to seem after that. He has written 'chronic prostatitis' on the prescription and there is no infection in semen or urine culture. What is the prognosis for this? I am very depressed and I do or think about nothing else but this.
I went to the first urologist again and he prescribed me Urimax 0.2, Zanocin and voveran for 10 days and asked me to seem after that. He has written 'chronic prostatitis' on the prescription and there is no infection in semen or urine culture. What is the prognosis for this? I am very depressed and I do or think about nothing else but this.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi there!
Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to comment specifically on the situation. The symptoms due to epidymitis may continue for a few months after the actual infection has been cured. This occurs due to residual inflammation and is expected to heal with time; and should not be anything to worry about, unless the symptoms have actually aggravated
Aside infections, similar symptoms could also be caused due to non-infectious inflammation, trauma/ erosions/ ulcers, neuro-muscular issues, growths/ masses etc. While the symptoms are unlikely to be due to varicocoele, it may play a role on the aggravation of symptoms, though treatment or no treatment at this point should be a personal choice. I would suggest consulting a urologist preferably at a university/ teaching hospital for a detailed evaluation for other possibilities and suggestion of an appropriate management plan.
Hope this is helpful.
Take care!
Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to comment specifically on the situation. The symptoms due to epidymitis may continue for a few months after the actual infection has been cured. This occurs due to residual inflammation and is expected to heal with time; and should not be anything to worry about, unless the symptoms have actually aggravated
Aside infections, similar symptoms could also be caused due to non-infectious inflammation, trauma/ erosions/ ulcers, neuro-muscular issues, growths/ masses etc. While the symptoms are unlikely to be due to varicocoele, it may play a role on the aggravation of symptoms, though treatment or no treatment at this point should be a personal choice. I would suggest consulting a urologist preferably at a university/ teaching hospital for a detailed evaluation for other possibilities and suggestion of an appropriate management plan.
Hope this is helpful.
Take care!
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