Prostatitis + Epididymitis + Foamy Urine
Hello Doctor, I have the following symptoms: 1.
A hard lump below the testicle (the doctor examined it and said it is benign).
2.
Slight swelling of the left epididymis.
3.
Yellowish semen.
4.
Inner thigh soreness after ejaculation.
5.
Frequent urination.
6.
Foamy urine.
Last year, I was diagnosed by a doctor with prostatitis and epididymitis, and I took anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics for six months.
Although there was some improvement, the symptoms still recur.
For the past three months, I have been seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, but the situation remains the same.
Currently, the uncomfortable symptoms are manageable, and the frequency of urination is within an acceptable range.
My only concern is that the yellowish semen symptom has not improved and seems to be affecting my sexual function.
Additionally, I have a lot of bubbles in my urine, especially in the first morning urine, which often has persistent bubbles.
I am worried that taking too much medication or other factors may have caused kidney issues.
(I have significant work stress and often experience insomnia; could this be hindering my recovery?) (I had a hernia surgery when I was young.) Please help me with the correct treatment methods.
I would greatly appreciate it.
Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2014/03/21
Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello, the yellow color of semen does not necessarily indicate an infection.
Sometimes it can appear yellow due to increased viscosity or fewer ejaculation events.
A semen culture can be performed to check for infection.
If urine has bubbles, you can observe it for 30 minutes to see if the bubbles decrease or disappear.
Typically, bubbles caused by proteinuria do not easily dissipate.
If you are concerned, you can visit a nearby medical facility or a laboratory for a urine protein test to get immediate results.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; it is essential to seek medical attention at healthcare institutions when necessary.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Reply Date: 2014/03/21
More Info
Prostatitis, epididymitis, and the presence of foamy urine can be complex issues that significantly impact a person's quality of life. Based on your symptoms and history, it appears that you have been dealing with a combination of prostatitis and epididymitis, which can lead to various complications if not managed properly.
Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Hard Lump Near the Testicle: The hard lump you mentioned, which your doctor has deemed benign, could be a result of epididymal cysts or other benign conditions. However, it’s essential to monitor any changes in size or characteristics, as any new developments should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
2. Swelling of the Left Epididymis: Slight swelling in the epididymis can indicate inflammation, which is consistent with your previous diagnosis of epididymitis. This condition often arises from infections, including sexually transmitted infections, or can be non-infectious in nature.
3. Yellow Semen: The persistent yellow coloration of your semen could be linked to several factors, including the presence of infection, inflammation, or even dietary factors. It’s crucial to discuss this symptom with your healthcare provider, as it may indicate ongoing prostatitis or another underlying issue.
4. Thigh Discomfort Post-Ejaculation: This symptom may relate to pelvic floor tension or irritation from the inflammation of the prostate or epididymis. It’s not uncommon for individuals with prostatitis to experience referred pain in the thighs.
5. Frequent Urination: This is a common symptom of prostatitis and can be exacerbated by anxiety, stress, or irritants in the diet.
6. Foamy Urine: The presence of bubbles in your urine, especially in the morning, can be indicative of proteinuria (excess protein in the urine), which may suggest kidney issues. However, it can also be due to dehydration or concentrated urine. Given your concerns about kidney function, it would be prudent to have a urinalysis and possibly further renal function tests.
Treatment Considerations
Given your history of prolonged antibiotic use without significant improvement, it may be time to reassess your treatment plan. Here are some recommendations:
1. Consult a Urologist: If you haven't already, consider seeking a second opinion from a urologist who specializes in chronic pelvic pain syndromes. They may offer different therapeutic options, including physical therapy for pelvic floor dysfunction, which can be beneficial for managing pain and discomfort.
2. Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated are essential.
3. Alternative Therapies: Since you have been exploring traditional Chinese medicine, consider discussing this with your healthcare provider to ensure that any herbal treatments do not interact negatively with your current medications.
4. Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your symptoms and any changes. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are crucial to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as necessary.
5. Psychological Support: Given the emotional toll chronic pain can take, consider speaking with a mental health professional. They can provide strategies to cope with the stress and anxiety that often accompany chronic health issues.
Conclusion
While your symptoms are concerning, especially the yellow semen and foamy urine, it is essential to approach this situation holistically. Regular communication with your healthcare providers, lifestyle adjustments, and possibly exploring alternative therapies may help you find relief. Remember, managing chronic conditions often requires a multifaceted approach, and persistence in seeking the right treatment is key.
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