I have lived with pain in my left testicle region for three years. Although entirely unpleasant, I have learned to live with it. To cut things short, I think I have epididymitis. Here is a timeline and details:

1. Had left testicle pain that felt like "blue balls"
2. After a week, the pain didn't go away
3. Urologist diagnosed a large varicocele
4. Varicocele removed in surgery
5. Pain never went away and got worse
6. Pain was worst shortly after sex
7. Urologist thought I had prostatis (but I have absolutely no urinary pain or otherwise)
8. Got second opinion from different urologist after ultrasound
9. Ultrasound indicated epidiymitis on left
10. Because of my age, I was told to avoid removal of epid
11. Left epid is stiff and quite larger than the right epid
12. Urologists have put me on anti-inflam, Cipro, Doxi to no avail
13. Bextra did seem to help with the epid size and pain
14. If I injure (bump) the left testicle region, I will experience left groin and left leg pain for a week
15. After urologist forcefully examines my left epid (squeezes), I experience pain for a week.
16. I've learned not to touch it; it only disturbs it more.
17. I do not have a vasectomy

Its my best guest that years ago, my left epid got congested (my wife was away for a week so sex was not an option) and inflamed and I was misdiagnosed with a varicocele. My left scrotal area is literally 3-4 times the size of the right due to left testicle swelling, epid swelling, and a hydrocele.

Note: After weeks of carefull treatment and protection, there is only pain present in the left swollen epid; the pain is located in the rib-shaped epid across the testicle. However, if I put good presure on the epid or someone squeezes it, I experience groin/leg pain for a week until I carefully treat it again. So as time goes on, I'm more and more convinced that I have a jacked-up epididymis.

Will this heal with time?

Should I get it removed? What is the safest proceedure? Where can I get more information on epid removal?

What are other recommendations?

I have alot more history regarding this matter but chose not to post it all. Let me know if you need more details.