Epididymitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Epididymitis is the inflammation of the epididymis — a long, coiled tube located behind the testicles that stores and transports sperm. When it becomes swollen, men often experience testicular pain, swelling, and discomfort.

This condition can affect males of all ages but is most common in men over 20. The main triggers include bacterial infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). With early diagnosis and proper treatment, epididymitis can usually be cured quickly.

👉 Explore more men’s health conditions.

Types of Epididymitis

Acute Epididymitis – Lasts six weeks or fewer; usually caused by bacterial or STI infections.
Chronic Epididymitis – Persists longer than six weeks, often leading to ongoing pain.
Epididymo-orchitis – Occurs when both the testicle and epididymis are inflamed.

Causes of Epididymitis

The two most common causes are STIs and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

1. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

More common in sexually active young men who don’t use condoms or have multiple partners.

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea

👉 Learn more about STI prevention and safe sex.

2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTI-related epididymitis is common in:

Children
Older men
Men who have sex with men

Risk factors include:

Catheter use
Enlarged prostate
Bladder or prostate surgery
Urine backflow into the epididymis
Rare infections (mumps, tuberculosis)

Symptoms of Epididymitis

Symptoms often start gradually and usually affect one testicle. Common signs include:

Swollen, red, painful scrotum
Testicular lump or heaviness
Pain when urinating or ejaculating
Frequent urge to urinate
Blood in urine
Fever and chills
Groin or lower abdominal pain
Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin

⚠️ Note: Sudden severe scrotal pain could mean testicular torsion, a medical emergency.

Prevention of Epididymitis

You can lower your risk by:

Practicing safe sex – Always use condoms and limit partners.
Maintaining hygiene – Clean before and after sex.
Treating UTIs early – Don’t ignore urinary symptoms.
Avoiding risky medications – Some drugs increase risk.
Antibiotic prophylaxis – Sometimes used after surgery or catheter use.

👉 See related: Tips to prevent urinary infections.

When to See a Doctor

Seek urgent care if you experience:

Sudden, severe testicular pain
Scrotal swelling
Penile discharge
Painful urination

👉 Learn more about when to visit a urologist.

Diagnosis of Epididymitis

Doctors may recommend:

Physical exam (penis, prostate, scrotum)
Urine and blood tests (to detect infection)
Ultrasound (to rule out torsion)
Fluid tests (to check for STIs)

Treatment for Epididymitis

Early treatment prevents infertility and chronic pain.

Options include:

Antibiotics (to treat bacterial/STI causes)
Pain relievers & anti-inflammatories
Bed rest and scrotal support
Ice packs for swelling

In severe cases (abscess, fever, poor response to antibiotics), hospitalization or surgery may be required.

👉 External resource: Mayo Clinic – Epididymitis Treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is epididymitis a sexually transmitted disease?
Not always. While STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause it, UTIs and other bacterial infections are also common triggers.

2. Can epididymitis cause infertility?
Yes. Untreated epididymitis may lead to infertility or chronic pain.

3. How long does epididymitis last?
With treatment, acute epididymitis improves in a few weeks. Chronic cases may last longer.

4. Can epididymitis go away without treatment?
No. Without antibiotics, the infection worsens and may cause serious complications.

5. Is epididymitis dangerous?
If ignored, it may lead to testicular damage, abscesses, or infertility.