Any Advice Is Appreciated

Hi. Well, I am 31 years old. About a week ago, I noticed a small weak pain in my right testicle. It came and went and I didn't pay it too much attention until I read on the web that this could be a sign of testicular cancer. When I say pain, I really don't know how to explain it as the pain is so weak, it barely hurts, but is more of an aggravation. Well, sometimes it hurts in my right testicle and sometimes in my left. I have done a self exam, as best as I know how and found no lumps. I paid my doctor a visit and he also did an exam, he said everything felt normal size and he couldn't feel any lumps. He prescribed me Bactrim DS and told me to take 2 a day for 14 days. I am on my 3rd day of taking this med and the pain still comes and goes. How long does it take for Bactrim DS to go into effect and do you think this is cancer?

Antibiotics usually start to work in about 48 hours but it could take a bit longer.  You said today is the third day, give it another two or so and if it doesn't get any better go back in to see him.  He can run a blood test called HCG which shows up if you have testicular cancer.  It's a hormone in woman that increases with pregnancies and men shouldn't have it but do with testicular cancer.  You probably have an infection but if your really concerned I'm sure the doctor can do some testing to reassure you.

 

Good Luck!

Thanks for your reply. It made me feel better. The doctor wants me to finish all of the prescription and then if it's no better, to come back and see him. I'll let you know how it goes!

Another test you should seek aside from the HCG is the alpha fetoprotein or AFP - together these two give you a more precise indication (also called tumor markers) whether cancer may be present.  Both tests are done with the same blood sample, so no need to go back a second time.

 Still, I agree that you need to finish up all the antibiotic to make sure it's not an infection - best of luck!

Thanks, I appreciate that information. I'll write it down and mention it to my doctor. If I'm not feeling any better by a week from Thursday (when my prescription is all used up) I will make an appointment to see him.

 I actually got my hopes up today. All day long today from the time I woke up, all through work and on the ride home, it never bothered me and then when I got home, it started aching. Now it keeps aching on and off. Not enough of an ache where I can't stand it, just enough for me to know it's there.

Hey Scorpio, any news on your condition?  Hope you are doing OK!

Hey! Thanks so much for checking on me. Well, I haven't been officially diagonsed with anything but I did go today for an ultrasound. The tech that performed the ultrasound said she didn't see anything except some extra fluid around both testicals and a small cyst on my epidetimus (not sure I spelled that right). My doctor is on vacation until Tuesday so I have to at least wait that long for a true diagnosis. Wish me luck and please feel free to give me your opinion on what I've told you.

Ultrasounds are a great way to start the diagnosis process.... usually the technicians have a pretty good idea of what they see.  If there is fluid or swelling around your epidimus, then it's probably a case of epidimitys which is an infection that can usually be treated with antibiotics.  Since you've already taken those, you should feel some relief by now.  Otherwise, a hydrocele might be the cause - it is fluid in the testicular sac.  Not sure what the treatement options are but I know it is fairly simple to treat/drain.  On the other hand, cancer in the testicle is usually a hard mass and the ultrasound will usually show it.  Anyway, can't go just by what a technician says, so when your Doctor returns he will be able to give you a clearer diagnosis and treatment options.  Hope everything turns out OK!

 

 

Actually I have had tremendous relief! It hasn't hurt at all since the ultrasound! I still am going to talk to the doctor when he returns on Tuesday, but I have a more positive outlook for it. I'll be sure to let you know what he says!