Epididymitis

Treatment

• Antibiotics will be given for a bacterial infection.
• Over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen can help pain.
• Stronger medicine may be needed for moderate to severe pain.
• Scrotal rest is advised, including getting pressure off this area by leaning back as if sitting in a lawn chair.
• An ice pack on the area will help swelling and discomfort.
• A rolled towel under the scrotum helps support and elevate it and reduces swelling and pain. Pain usually begins to go away 1 to 3 days after starting antibiotics or scrotal rest.
• Sex should be avoided for several days after symptoms go away.
• In rare cases, surgery may be needed for complications of infection.

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will ask about symptoms and examine the penis and scrotum. He/she may order a urinalysis and a blood test to look for infection, as well as take a sample of discharge from the penis, to be checked with a microscope. A sonogram (ultrasound) of the painful testicle may be done to exclude other causes of the pain and swelling.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Pain.
• Swelling.
• Tenderness in the scrotum.
• Burning feeling when urinating.
• Discharge from the penis.
• Fever.
• Pain during sex.
• Swelling may last for several days.

Causes

The cause is often unknown. Some causes may include:

• The cause is usually a bacterial infection or long-term pressure on the epididymis.
• Bacteria from a urinary tract or prostate infection can spread to the testicles.
• In sexually active men, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is often the cause.
• Pressure epididymitis occurs after sitting too long, such as when driving a car or riding a bicycle for long periods.
• Injury and urinary tract blockage are other causes.