What is epididymitis?

Epididymitis is inflammation (swelling) of the epididymis. The epididymis is a tightly coiled tube at the back of each testicle that stores sperm while they mature.

Epididymitis often happens at the same time as orchitis. This is an inflammation of the testicles themselves.

What are the symptoms of epididymitis?

If you have epididymitis, you may feel sick and have fever. Your testicle may be:

• painful or tender
• unusually warm
• swollen or firm

If your epididymitis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you may also have:

• discharge from the penis
• a stinging or burning feeling when you urinate (wee)

If your epididymitis is caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), you may also have:

• abdominal pain
• the need to wee often
• a burning feeling when you wee

Chronic epididymitis is when you have discomfort or pain in your scrotum, testicle, or epididymis for at least 3 months. The cause of chronic epididymitis is often not known.

What causes epididymitis?

Epididymitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

If you are sexually active, it may be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia.

Bacteria such as E. coli can cause epididymitis. This is most common in people who are older and in people who engage in anal sex.

Epididymitis can also be caused by:

• injury
• vasectomy
• autoimmune disease

When should I see my doctor?

If you have symptoms such as pain or swelling in your testicles, see a doctor right away.

How is epididymitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical examination. You may get a referral to have a:

• blood test
• urine test
• ultrasound

These tests can also rule out other health conditions.

How is epididymitis treated?

Bacterial epididymitis can be treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic depends on which bacteria is causing the infection.

Viral epididymitis does not need antibiotics.

Other measures that may help include:

• rest
• drinking plenty of water
• ice packs
• supportive underwear that elevates your testicles
• pain-relief medicines such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)

If your epididymitis was caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it’s important not to have sex until you have been treated.

You should contact any sexual partners you have had in the past 6 months so they can get tested. You can use Let Them Know — a free service that can help you notify sexual partners.

What are the complications of epididymitis?

If untreated, epididymitis can lead to complications such as:

• chronic infection
• chronic pain
• infertility

Treating epididymitis quickly will reduce your risk of complications.

Can epididymitis be prevented?

You can help prevent epididymitis by practising safe sex.

If you frequently get urinary tract infections, ask your doctor for tips on how to prevent them.

Resources and Support

Healthy Male offers information and a helpful video on epididymitis and other scrotal lumps.

Healthy WA provides information about testicular conditions, including epididymitis.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders

NACCHO can help you find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you.