Epididymitis is where a tube (the epididymis) at the back of the testicl*s becomes swollen and painful. It's often caused by an infection and is usually treated with antibiotics.
If the testicl*s are also affected, it may be called epididymo-orchitis.
Check if it's epididymitis
Symptoms of epididymitis may include:
- sudden or gradual pain in 1 or both of your testicl*s (balls)
- the bag of skin containing your testicl*s (scrotum) feeling tender, warm and swollen
- a build-up of fluid around your testicl* (a hydrocele) that feels like a lump or swelling
You may have other symptoms depending on the cause, such as difficulty peeing, or a white, yellow or green discharge from the tip of the penis.
Causes of epididymitis
Epididymitis is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. This is more likely in younger men under 35 years old.
If testing shows that your epididymitis is caused by a STI, it may be recommended that your current or recent sexual partners are also tested for STIs.
It can also be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), but UTIs are less common in men.
A UTI is more likely if you have:
- an enlarged prostate gland
- a urinary catheter
- recently had surgery to the groin, prostate gland or bladder
Sometimes a cause cannot be found.
Less common causes of epididymitis
- mumps
- tuberculosis
- taking high doses of amiodarone, a medicine used to treat heart rhythm disorder
- a groin injury
- Behçet's disease
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have:
- a lump in your testicl*s
- swollen testicl*s
- a change in the shape of your testicl*s
- a change in the way your testicl*s feel
- 1 testicl* that's become bigger than the other
- aching or discomfort in your testicl*s that does not go away
Lumps in the testicl*s can be a sign of testicular cancer. This is easier to treat if it's found early.
Information:
Sexual health clinics can help with epididymitis
You can also get treatment for epididymitis at a sexual health clinic.
They can provide the same antibiotics you'd get at your GP surgery.
Many sexual health clinics also offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.
Immediate action required: Go to A&E if you get sudden, unbearable pain in your testicl*s or tummy
This could be caused by your testicl* becoming twisted and needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible.
What happens at your appointment
You'll usually need some tests first to find out the cause.
These may include:
- a groin examination
- a swab of the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra) – to test for infection
- urine and blood tests
- a rectal examination – to check for problems with your prostate
Treatments for epididymitis
If you have an infection, you'll usually be given antibiotics. Depending on the cause of the infection, you may be given antibiotic injections or tablets, or a combination of both.
It's important to finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.
You should start to feel better within a few days, but it may take up to 3 months to fully recover. If you still have symptoms after this, you might be referred for further tests.
There are some things you can do while you recover to help ease pain and swelling and prevent any further problems.
Do
-
take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to help with the pain – if you have a history of fits, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen should not be taken with some antibiotics used to treat epididymitis; speak to a pharmacist about the best painkiller to use if you're unsure
-
hold a cold pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) on your groin
-
wear underwear that supports your scrotum
Don’t
-
do not have sex if you have gonorrhoea or chlamydia until you have finished the full course of treatment
Page last reviewed: 22 April 2021
Next review due: 22 April 2024
