Epididymitis

[SaintCut (imported)]

I have had chronic epididymitis for at least 5 years now. When it gets inflamed, my T goes down to near eunuch levels and it is sore and really uncomfortable. Would that be enough for a doctor to remove the testicle - thereby being half way to a true eunuch?

[raymar2020 (imported)]

You need to see a urologist and have a very frank discussion about the T level issues. From your post it appears that your T level is ok when the epididymitis is under control. If it only affects one side then that says there are other issues with the second testicle. If your T level drops when one testicle is not working correctly, then that says that the other one is not doing its job either. I wonder do you know if you have a viable sperm count?

A close examination of both testicles is probably advisable. Ultra sound will help diagnose any possible problems and is a surprisingly simple procedure. Additonally doing blood work when you do not have a flare up and again when you do will help to further diagnose the problem.

Open minded surgeons will remove a testicle or even both for chronic conditions like epididymitis, but you must search long and hard to find a urologist who is open minded. For sure step one is to get a referral and go look into things.

Raymar

[Wellesley (imported)]

Even for chronic epididymitis the standard of care in the US seems overly conservative. The surgical option of removing the epididymus only seems common enough however that can add to issues with scaring and nerve damage later I think.

It is likely that a lifestyle issue is causing the chronic condition?

How do you know your T levels go down?

[gareth19 (imported)]

My urologist never discussed orchiectomy only a vasectomy.

[SaintCut (imported)]

No one can tell me why I get it. I was tested for STD (chlamydia is a common cause) but it was clear. One doctor thought it was bacteria in a biofilm and two rounds of antibiotics knocked it out but it came back.

When I get a flareup, I get erectile dysfunction and the last time I had my T tested and it was 60.

[Uncle Flo (imported)]

I endured epididymitis as the result of an industrial accident (I pushed so hard on a cart full of steel that I forced urine into my vas resulting in epididymitis and orchitis). It took about two months of antibiotics to clear it up. My testicles each swelled to the size of my fist. I did not show any signs of low testosterone. I was completely functional and, in fact, I was somewhat in demand as a novelty (freak of the week effect). I am concerned for you because a brief search shows that low testosterone is not normally associated with this sort of infection and may indicate a more serious problem. --FLO--

[nutme248 (imported)]

Saint, I have never dealt with chronic epididymitis however I have had a number of attacks over the years. Every time I got one, the doc would simply prescribe antibiotics and tell me to wear a jockstrap. Most doctors freak out at the mention of an orchiectomy.

I have had chronic epididymitis for at least 5 years now. When it gets inflamed, my T goes down to near eunuch levels and it is sore and really uncomfortable. Would that be enough for a doctor to remove the testicle - thereby being half way to a true eunuch?

[Paolo]

I went through several bouts of this years ago, got the same advice. Antibiotics and pain pills and 'wear a jock'. Thankfully, it's cleared up, leaving only a bit of deformity in the left one.

[nullorchis (imported)]

Why is it that women can get their breasts removed (as a cancer preventative if there has been breast cancer in their family DNA), but if one of your relatives had testicle cancer you can't get your balls removed as a preventative measure. Talk about a double standard and reverse discrimination. Women are not the only persons who suffer from medical bias.

[Eunuken (imported)]

For more than 10 years I had issues with epididymis off and on, on both sides, however with not having health insurance it made it very hard to see a Dr. When I decided to go with the ever clear method, I was fortunate to have a very good HMO and was able to say with a straight face that I thought the years of epididymis could have been why, the Dr. seemed to understand, and offered the orchiectomy.

Ken