Epididymitis

Why did I develop it?

Epididymitis is usually caused by:

a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea , or
a urinary tract infection (UTI)

UTIs aremuch less common in men than women. In men, a UTI may be causedby an enlarged prostate gland pressing on the bladder, the insertion of a catheter into the penis, or recent surgery to the groin, prostate gland or bladder.

Men of any age can develop epididymitis.

More unusual causes

More unusually, epididymitis is caused by:

mumps
tuberculosis
taking high daily doses of the medication amiodarone (normally taken for a heartrhythm disorder)
urine flowing back into theepididymis after heavy lifting or straining, or associated with an enlarged prostate gland
a groininjury
Behet's disease

When the cause isn't known, it's termed idiopathic epididymitis.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for epididymitis

Introduction

Epididymitis is the inflammation of the epididymis a coiled tube at the back of each testicle that stores and carries sperm.

What are the symptoms of epididymitis?

Epididymitis causes sudden pain in one or both of the testicles. The scrotum will feel tender, warm and swollen. There may be a build-up of fluid around the testicle (a hydrocele), which will feel li

Why did I develop it?

Epididymitis is usually caused by: a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea , or a urinary tract infection (UTI) UTIs aremuch less common in men than women. In men, a UTI

How is it diagnosed?

Your GP will probably need to carry out a physical examination of your groin, to check for signs of inflammation and infection. To find out the underlying cause of the epididymitis, you may need to h

How is it treated?

Rest and painkillers If you've been diagnosed with epididymitis, you'll need to rest and take over-the-counter painkillers to manage any pain. Ibuprofen may be recommended, as this also eases the inf

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