I just wanted to share my experiences with a recent bout of this nasty problem. I've never posted on anything like this before, but if my experience could help someone recover faster that would be worth it. About 6 months ago I developed pain and left swelling in my left testicle a few days after having intercourse with my girlfriend. We both got tested for STD's, and we both came out clean but we found out she did have a yeast infection. From this I developed bacterial epididymitis - an extremely uncomfortable condition that nags at you day and night. It's like the feeling of being kicked in the nuts ALL THE TIME. If you have it, you know how brutal it is.

Like many people I have read about, I went on Cipro for 6 weeks. It made it maybe 60% better, but came back with a vengeance once I stopped. So, the doctor prescribed another round. The antibiotics are terrible to be on. Muscle cramps, headaches, and an overall depressed feeling are some of the side effects. Add sore balls to the mix and I was one unhappy camper. I felt hopeless. Nothing was helping. I was scared, sore, depressed. I was reading about people having this for LIFE. I couldn't work, walk, sit down, or sleep. I had an ultrasound which showed inflammation, but no cysts or tumours or anything. The doctor reasoned it was just stubborn bacteria that is hard for the antibiotics to reach.

I started to do my own research. I took a good look at my diet. I'm 34 yrs old, healthy, fit, active, vegetarian diet. I didn't think I had a problem with my diet, but I had always known I had a sensitivity to gluten and wheat products. I love the occasional beer, pasta, dessert, you name it. But I always felt bloated and sick after. However, sugar and wheat contribute to inflammation of the body, and when you have painful inflammed nuts, you will try anything. I started to notice a correlation with food - my balls always hurt more after a few beers or ciders. I started to do a Candida diet (google it!). You basically cut out anything delicious from your diet for a few weeks. No sugar, not even in fruit. I was basically eating brown rice and steamed veggies every meal. No pop, no beer, no oatmeal, no nothing. I'm not gonna lie - it sucks. Basically you're starving the bad bacteria in your gut that is responsible for inflammation.  The first few days are hell. I was cranky and light headed and by body craved sugar. But - after about a week, I noticed HUGE changes. My body wasn't inflammed anymore. My balls hurt significantly less. I felt like I had more energy, my moods were better, and I didn't crave sugar anymore. The diet isn't so bad once you start to see progress!

I was also taking grapefruit seed extract and oil of oregano a few times a day. Probiotics and aloe vera juice to heal the gut. I know it sounds like a long shot - but I have read way too many stories of epididymitis that just won't go away. It's worth a shot. Go on an anti-inflammation diet for a few weeks, and try to nuke the bacteria with natural antibiotics. Make some big lifestyle changes and reap the rewards! 6 months later my epididymitis is about 98.9% gone.

Some tips:

-cut out all dairy, sugar, wheat, anything that causes inflammation (google "candida cleanse diet"). Don't worry, it sucks but it's temporary.

-natural antibiotics like oil of oregano, grapefruit seed extract 3x a day

-quercetin for inflammation

-A good quality probiotic, especially if you've been taking antibiotics

-hot epsom salts baths. Every night!

-light exercise to keep the blood moving

-ejaculate in moderation. Once a week, just to keep things flowing. 

Most importantly: Don't get too down about it. The body/mind connection is HUGE with this. It sucks, but it WILL get better!! Hang in there.