For many years I thought the only option at the first sign of infection or inflamation (which were frequent episodes) was run to the doctors surgery. The outcome was always the same, "you need an antibiotic". I must say in the early years antibiotics did seem to temporarely solve the problem. It was'nt until I had exploratory surgery in 1988 to remove an epididymis appendix and varicocele on the left side (a testicular biopsy was done at the same time )that my real problems began. The condition became chronic and no amount of antibiotics would work. One doctor said I should stop taking antibiotics, but taking nothing was'nt an option either. The severe pain remained, and so started my interest in herbs and alternative medicine.
I've had a minor flare up last week but things are ok now. I resorted to the herbs Fenugreek and Fennel and taking one strong Garlic tablet daily. Garlic has excellent anti- bacterial effects and will kill any pathogen! I can usually feel it going to work about one hour after taking it. The type I take are enteric coated meaning they pass through the stomach and dissolve when they reach the intestines. I also took for the first time, an enzyme called Bromelain, which is derived from the Pineapple, after reading about its powerful anti-inflammatory effects for Epididymitis on the Internet. So far I am very impressed.
One other herb I should mention that is very useful in dealing with infection is Echinacea. I used to rely solely on it before I discovered the power of Fenugreek and Garlic. Echinacea is a 'herbal antibiotic' without the side effects that taking long courses of antibiotics entails. When you take a broad spectrum antibiotic it has a 'machine gun' effect inside you. It kills the useful bacteria in the gut as well as the pathogens. Echinacea works by stimulating the bodys own natural defence system (an immuno-stimulant)to fight the infection.