Epididymitis

Check if it's epididymitis

Symptoms of epididymitis may include:

• sudden or gradual pain in 1 or both of your testicles (balls)
• the bag of skin containing your testicles (scrotum) feeling tender, warm and swollen
• a build-up of fluid around your testicle (a hydrocele) that feels like a lump or swelling

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.

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 can't be found.

See a GP if you have:

• a lump in your testicles
• swollen testicles
• a change in the shape of your testicles
• a change in the way your testicles feel
• 1 testicle that's become bigger than the other
• aching or discomfort in your testicles that doesn't go away

Lumps in the testicles can be a sign of testicular cancer. This is easier to treat if it's found early.

Treatment for epididymitis

If you have an infection, you'll usually be given antibiotics. You should start to feel better within a few days, but it may take up to 2 weeks to fully recover.

It's important to finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.

There are some things you can do while you recover to help ease pain and swelling and prevent any further problems.