Hello all and I am glad I have found you. Here's the story. It all started 2 years ago when I became sexually active again. Almost immediately I experienced pain in the left testicle and got it checked out. I was tested and an infection was found, but the DR did not say what it was, and at the time it didn't seem important. I took antibiotics for 6 weeks and was rechecked - no more infection. Life was good.

Several months later, the pain came back - I was with the same partner at that time. I lived with it for a good while and during that time I met another woman who is now my wife. Neither women have shown signs of any type of STD.

My wife made me return to the DR - this time a second urologist diagnosed a hyrnia...this was confirmed by a surgeon, and the rest is history. I had the surgery and the pain went away. I thought, "Great! I finally feel good again".

Guess what - about 2 months later the pain came back with a vengence....the worst pain I had felt. I have seen the surgeon, the urologist and my GP, and all confirm that the pain is NOT the result of the surgery. They are all convinced that it is Epidiymitis (I would tend to agree).

I have been treated with Cipro, Avelox and now Doxicyclene (don't know the spelling - sorry). We are hitting it for 6 months with the drug I can't spell in combo with anti-inflamitory meds. I'm crossing my fingers and I have been feeling a lot better lately.

From what I have been reading on the WWW, I do not have a bad case, it just keeps recurring. The doctor suggested that if it does not improve that we should remove the left epididmus, but I have not seen any evidence that this is an effective treatment - contrary, I have been told that it is a bad choice. Does anyone have statistics on that? We were planning on having children and that would put a damper on things. By the way, does having Epididymus affect your fertility? Seems like a stupid question but I need to ask it anyway.

I have also been reading that for most men, epididymus is a life long condition that requires changes in lifestyle. I have found some things that help, but I have not been able to establish a pattern - any resonable suggestions are most welcome.

Finally, I want to give the drugs every chance to work - I take them religiously as instructed. Is there anything else I can do to improve my chances? Certain vitamins or even natural remedies?

I know this is a long post and I thank you for your input. This is new and I have a lot of questions Best regards,

Jim