Martin
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                        
                        
                        Dave,    I've had chronic Epididymitis which has recurred for about 10 years. I'm 30. Antibiotics don't seem to help, even strong does of Cypro for 6 weeks!    Thankfully, it seems to get less painful with every bout.     I use herbal remedies, mainly echinacea and vitamin C to boost the immune system, and ginger as an anti-inflamatory (Ibuprofen is supposed to be helpful to). They seem to help a bit and are certainly less damaging than long courses of antibiotics.    Supportive cooling underwear is also helpful. Maybe a cooling gel too, although I haven't tried that.    I know how you feel. I've been in so much pain that I wished I could have the damn things chopped off. Thankfully, I haven't been in that much pain for a while!    Good luck.    Martin