Can masturbation cause epididymitis?
ADVERTISEMENT

Q. After taking antibiotics for epididymitis the swelling went but pain remained. Why?

Answered by
Dr. Khant Shahil Ramesh Bhai
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
This is a premium question & answer published on Nov 21, 2017 and last reviewed on: Jul 03, 2023

Hello doctor,

I had epididymitis twice two years ago. I was given antibiotics both the times. The swelling went but the testicle (epididymis pain) remained. I was given more antibiotics over the next few months to no effect. I went to a urologist 12 months later and was diagnosed with prostatitis upon examination. I was offered prostate massage but said no due to a worry over the potential negative effects of the procedure. Urine and blood test came back negative for STI and bacteria. The only issue was low testosterone. I had to see a hormone doctor for the second testosterone test. He noticed some atrophy of the testicles, for which I had an ultrasound. I was then told that the testicles are of normal size and there is no sign of damage, infection, etc. Since then, the pain has worsened. The epididymis hurts when touched, and spermatic cord feels hardened. There is pain during and after urination, although there is no swelling in the scrotum or groin. I have not had most of the prostatitis symptoms for months like the frequent urination, burning scrotum, anus, etc. The pain is in the back flank mostly in the epididymis and thigh region. Could it be intermittent torsion?What antibiotics would you prescribe? If antibiotics fail, would a spermatic cord block be the way to go? Could I have infected my epididymis from my prostate through over masturbation (two times daily) and made the pain worse?

#

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per your history, it does not look like prostatitis. I think you may be suffering from chronic epididymitis. There are many causes for chronic epididymitis like post-acute epididymitis, vas obstruction, drug-induced like Amiodarone, Tuberculous epididymitis, chlamydia epididymitis (non-culturable organism). In a majority of the cases, it is idiopathic without any cause. You had almost every test done. One more test you can get done, which is semen culture and sensitivity. Regarding your questions: No, it is not intermittent torsion as your symptoms are not typical of intermittent torsion. I would prescribe antibiotics based on the semen culture and sensitivity report. Empirically, I would like to give tablet Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for four weeks. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and start taking the medicines with their consent. Spermatic cord block is not a permanent therapy. As you are 28 years, I would not like to advise any surgical intervention as far as possible. Over-masturbation is not a cause of prostatitis or epididymitis.


Was this answer helpful?

 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!



Related Questions:
What causes pain after masturbation in a patient with epididymitis?

I was feeling better but then I masturbated and all the pain is back ... Are you taking any medications for pain ...   Read full

I am under Doxycycline for burning sensation in my penis but no improvement. Kindly advice

.. acute prostatitis. This could be due to various reasons including retrograde ejaculation, delayed hypersensitivity to the gloves used or bacterial infection. Was your semen or urine tested for a culture .   Read full

I am experiencing side effects of Doxycycline, which I took for UTI. Please help.

.. that you had a urine test, but there are different types of urine test like a dipstick, which is done at the office, a complete analysis, which is done in the laboratory and a urine culture. I am more interested in the last two.   Read full

Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case

Also Read


PCOS and Liver Problems
The hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome could cause liver diseases. Read the article to know the relationship between these medical conditions.  Read more»
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization Technique
The inferior alveolar nerve lateralization technique is a surgical lateralization technique to reposition the nerve. Read the article to know more about this.  Read more»
COVID-19 and Ebola: Similarities and Differences
This article gives a comparison and broader overview of the outbreak of the two deadliest diseases that showed a greater incidence over the last two decades.  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask an Urologist Now

* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.