They're a must for cases that go beyond the first couple of weeks, IMHO (although I never got them, myself).....oral antibiotics just don't penetrate into the male reproductive system very well at all.

However if you're a true chronic case (3mos+) I question whether it's still pointful at that stage. Frankly, I just don't know!

The idea that I could still have an infection in my epid. after 14 months is scary and difficult to comprehend. But then, I can't explain why it's still slightly swollen and painful at this point, either!