Concerns About Epididymitis
Approximately two months ago, I started experiencing discomfort in my left testicle, which also began to appear asymmetrical compared to the right one. Initially, I was anxious that I might be facing a rare issue like testicular torsion. After seeking medical advice on the second day, I was reassured by a doctor that it was not torsion after all. A few days later, feeling still in the dark regarding my condition, I returned to the doctor due to the ongoing swelling and pain. My principal worry was that my left testicle was hanging lower than the right, which has not changed since. After many restless nights and researching my symptoms, I suspected that I might have a urinary tract infection that developed into epididymitis. Eventually, I managed to contact a clinic that prescribed me 200 mg of ofloxacin, instructing me to take two tablets daily for a fortnight. I have recently completed my course of antibiotics, but I've also begun to notice increased swelling in my right epididymis. Thankfully, the pain isn’t severe, but I am fearful that I may have another UTI, so I plan to get tested as soon as possible. I'm feeling quite lost and anxious about my situation, as I really don’t know where to find support. My biggest fear is that this might affect my fertility. Here are the key symptoms I've been struggling with: - My sperm appears clear and watery from the outset. - There is an asymmetry in my testicles; the left one droops lower than the right, which is positioned further forward. - I have a feeling of discomfort whenever I sit or lie down, prompting me to constantly monitor my testicles. The unnatural positioning has made me anxious, leading me to worry that they might shift positions. Until this experience began, I had not faced such issues before. I also regularly smoke cannabis, which I wonder might be contributing to the discomfort. Despite my attempts at bed rest, I have not seen any signs of improvement, and it leaves me feeling frightened.
Answers (1)
9/15/2025, 10:02:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a very challenging and concerning experience with discomfort and asymmetry in your testicles. It’s perfectly understandable to feel anxious given the uncertainty and the physical symptoms you're experiencing. Let's break this down and provide some clarity and action steps.
Main Points:
- You may be experiencing symptoms of epididymitis or related issues.
- Fertility concerns are valid but can be addressed with proper management.
- Ongoing symptoms warrant further evaluation, especially post-antibiotic treatment.
Explanation:
Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, often caused by infections that can affect fertility if left untreated. It's good that you sought medical advice and were prescribed antibiotics. However, the increase in swelling in your right epididymis after completing the course of antibiotics is a sign that further investigation is needed.
Your description of the clear and watery sperm, alongside the asymmetry and discomfort, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Although fertility concerns can be daunting, many conditions can be managed effectively, especially if addressed early.
Next Steps:
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Get Tested for Infections: Since you’re concerned about a possible urinary tract infection or recurrence of epididymitis, schedule a urine test and a follow-up consultation with a healthcare provider. This will help assess if there’s an underlying infection that still needs treatment.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, including any changes in swelling, pain levels, and the appearance of your sperm. Note any new symptoms or changes, as this information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.
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Avoid Irritants: If you suspect that cannabis smoking may be contributing to your discomfort, consider reducing or stopping use temporarily and observe any changes in your symptoms.
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Practice Self-Care: Continue to rest as much as possible and wear supportive underwear to help with discomfort. Applying a cold pack to the affected area may also reduce swelling and alleviate some discomfort.
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Stay Informed but Balanced: While researching your symptoms can be helpful, it’s important to balance this with direct medical advice. Keep your follow-up appointments so you can communicate your findings and concerns clearly.
Feeling anxious is normal in your situation, but taking these steps can help you regain a sense of control. You’re taking the right path by wanting to seek further evaluation and support. Let me know if you have any other concerns or need more detailed information!
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