A common misconception about inflammation happens because you cannot see beyond the pain, but inflammation can be your body’s way of reacting to foreign invaders or certain substances, signaling an issue with your body. Epididymitis is your body’s way of calling your attention to the epididymis by inflaming it, making you aware of a harmful infection.
Fortunately, studies on the anti-inflammatory properties of medical cannabis, especially cannabidiol (CBD), could be a doorway into an alternate world of possibilities. Possibilities that might be beneficial towards helping manage symptoms and improving overall well-being. If you have epididymitis or know someone living with the pain, take a few minutes to read and understand if cannabis could be a viable option.
Epididymitis is inflammation of the epididymis, the small, coiled tube at the back of each testicle that stores and carries sperm. It affects men and can develop suddenly and worsen quickly (acute) or persist over time with recurrent or long-lasting symptoms (chronic). It could be as a result of bacterial infections from STIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea), urinary tract or prostate infection, backed-up urine in the epididymis, or even tuberculosis, and can extend to the testicles (orchitis) in a combined condition called epididymo-orchitis.
Common symptoms of epididymitis include:
Other warning signs may include: frequent urinating, blood in the urine, fever and chills. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and early medical diagnosis is important to identify the underlying cause in order to prevent complications.
Standard treatment options are usually antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and abstaining from sex until symptoms resolve. Counseling patients with confirmed STIs about safe sex practices and to notify their sexual contacts to prevent reinfection are also recommended.
Antibiotics and NSAIDs usually treat the inflammation and pain of the epididymis caused by epididymitis. Doctors may consider medical cannabis, particularly cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD, to reduce pain and inflammation alongside these antibiotics.
While there is no direct medical evidence that relates to epididymitis itself, medical cannabis, particularly cannabinoids like THC and CBD —may potentially help relieve pain and inflammation and may also help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Doctors may recommend CBD‑rich products because of their anti‑inflammatory properties, although individual responses vary. Before deciding whether to include medical marijuana to help manage these symptoms, seek medical advice.
READ: CBD and Antibiotics: Exploring Safe Use
A recent study on male monkeys and male rats with exposure to chronic THC reveals that THC can affect testicular size and sperm quality, along with altered sex hormones. Another older study reaffirms that cannabis may interfere with the body’s natural system that controls sperm and hormones, leading to lower sperm quality and may affect hormone levels like testosterone, which are important for male fertility.
Contrary studies indicate that medical cannabis may not have any effects on sperm quality. Some research also suggests that cannabis may not significantly affect testosterone levels in humans.
In conclusion, there is some limited preclinical evidence that suggests cannabis may negatively impact male reproductive health. However, how much cannabis you take, how often you take it, and your body’s system can influence your response to cannabis with regard to male reproductive health.
A medical marijuana doctor can guide safe use for epididymitis pain by:
Essentially, a medical marijuana doctor can help you integrate cannabis safely and appropriately into your treatment plan, especially because epididymitis can involve infection, inflammation, nerve pain, fertility concerns, and medication interactions.
Pain is the most common reason people use medical marijuana. Though states may not explicitly name “inflammatory pain” as a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card, there are inflammatory diseases that qualify on its own. For epididymitis, you can qualify under the umbrella of chronic pain or at the judgment of your doctor.
Applying for a medical marijuana card online will mean seeing a medical marijuana doctor online to get an online evaluation and, possibly, receive your card online. It is quite a simple procedure, provided your state allows telemedicine. Services like Marijuana Doctors can help make this a seamless process by providing access to licensed doctors and helping you with the application process, thereby ensuring you receive your card without much hassle.
First, schedule an appointment with a licensed medical marijuana doctor. During the appointment, the doctor evaluates and assesses your symptoms, ensuring you are well aware of the risks and benefits attached. If the doctor determines that your condition qualifies, they issue a recommendation with which you can apply for your card. Once approved, you receive your card and can access licensed dispensaries.
Medical marijuana can generally help relieve pain and inflammation, which may theoretically extend to testicular pain from epididymitis. However, evidence of pain relief specific to epididymitis testicular pain is limited to anecdotes, so consult your doctor on the options suitable for your needs.
Cannabis (especially CBD) has potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that may help with epididymitis-related inflammation. Talk to your doctor extensively about the right cannabis options that may be appropriate.
Safe use of medical cannabis alongside antibiotics or other treatments depends a lot on one thing — medical guidance. While the combination is generally safe, interactions may occur that can affect levels of either one; your doctor has the right knowledge on drug interactions to help you make informed decisions.
If you have chronic epididymitis pain, you may qualify for a medical cannabis card under “chronic pain”. Some states allow doctors more freedom if they think the patient’s condition will benefit from a recommendation. Always check your state laws on qualifying conditions for medical marijuana.
Yes, this is because, unlike THC, CBD is non-impairing, meaning it does not produce a “high” effect. For individuals who need help managing discomfort without intoxicating effects, CBD products might be the knight in shining armor you did not know you needed. Similarly, CBG may also bring greater relief without the high.
Before making a decision on which is better, consider the disadvantages. Edibles and tinctures have a slower onset and can lead to overconsumption, while smoking is great for fast relief from pain, but can irritate or harm the lungs.
Coughing from inhaling also causes bearing down, increasing pressure, and pain on the GI and genitourinary tracts. Each method requires medical guidance, but for chronic inflammatory conditions, doctors may suggest edibles or tinctures instead of smoking.
Patients report that cannabis helps improve sleep, probably because it helps manage pain and anxiety symptoms, which can disrupt sleep. So, medical cannabis may help improve sleep when epididymitis pain is severe.
A medical marijuana doctor can create personalized plans – including careful titration schedules – by recommending an appropriate dosage plan to help manage pain, including pelvic pain.
Yes, you can get a medical marijuana evaluation for symptoms such as pain, inflammation, anxiety, or even insomnia. However, this is not a guarantee for a medical cannabis card approval.
Patients considering cannabis for epididymitis should have a thorough and transparent discussion with their doctor on potential benefits, risks, effects, interactions, cannabinoid type, ratios, frequency, dosage, and every other concern or reservation they might have. Do not be shy to ask as many questions as you would like clarity on, including sexual or reproductive health.
Written by Chiagozie Ekemezie
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