Patient education: Epididymitis (The Basics)

What is epididymitis? — This is when the epididymis gets inflamed. The epididymis is a small structure that sits on top of the testicle (figure 1). The epididymis stores sperm and moves it along the reproductive tract.

Different infections and conditions can cause epididymitis:

●In people who are having sex, epididymitis is commonly caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea. These are both "sexually transmitted infections," or infections that can spread through sex.

●Epididymitis can also be caused by other conditions or infections that aren't spread through sex. These things are more likely to cause epididymitis in older people.

What are the symptoms of epididymitis? — Epididymitis causes pain in the testicles or scrotum. The scrotum is the skin sac around the testicles. Epididymitis usually affects only 1 testicle. But sometimes, it can affect both.

Besides pain, epididymitis can also cause:

●Swelling of the scrotum or testicle

●Redness of the scrotum

●Fever

Is there a test for epididymitis? — Yes. If you have pain or swelling in your testicles or scrotum, see your doctor or nurse. They will ask about your symptoms and do an exam. They can also do:

●Urine tests

●Ultrasound of the scrotum – An ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body.

●Lab tests – If you have discharge from your urethra (the opening in the penis where urine leaves the body), your doctor or nurse might take a sample of the fluid for testing.

How is epididymitis treated? — Treatment depends on the cause:

●If a bacterial infection is causing your epididymitis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic medicines. These antibiotics can usually be taken at home, but a severe infection might need treatment in the hospital.

●If you are treated for chlamydia or gonorrhea, tell the person you most recently had sex with. You should also tell anyone you had sex with in the past 2 months. They might also be infected (even if they have no symptoms) and need treatment. Your doctor will probably want to test you again in a few months, too.

Is there anything I can do on my own? — Yes. You can:

●Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the area. This can help with pain and swelling. Do this every few hours, for 15 minutes each time.

●Wear a jock strap to support your scrotum.

●Take an over-the-counter medicine to treat pain. Over-the-counter medicines include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

●Follow all instructions for taking your antibiotics, if your doctor prescribed them. Avoid sexual activity until you have finished treatment and any sex partners have been treated if needed.

Can epididymitis be prevented? — Sometimes. You can help prevent epididymitis that is caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea by:

●Using a latex condom every time you have sex

●Avoiding sex when you or your partner has genital itching, discharge, or other symptoms that could be caused by an infection

●Not having sex

When should I call the doctor? — Call your doctor or nurse if:

●You are taking antibiotics, and your symptoms have not improved after 3 days.

●Your symptoms come back or get worse.

●You have a fever.

If your pain is severe, and you can't reach your doctor, go to the emergency department.

More on this topic

Patient education: Chlamydia and gonorrhea (The Basics)
Patient education: Sexually transmitted infections (The Basics)
Patient education: Teen sexuality (The Basics)

Patient education: Chlamydia (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Gonorrhea (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Adolescent sexuality (Beyond the Basics)