Epididymitis is where a tube (the epididymis) at the back of the testicles becomes swollen and painful. It's often caused by an infection and is usually treated with antibiotics.

If the testicles are also affected, it may be called epididymo-orchitis.

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

You may have other symptoms depending on the cause, such as difficulty peeing, or a white, yellow or green discharge from the tip of the penis.

Causes of epididymitis

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 cannot be found.

What happens at your appointment

You'll usually need some tests first to find out the cause.

These may include:

• a groin examination
• a swab of the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra) – to test for infection
• urine and blood tests
• a rectal examination – to check for problems with your prostate

Treatments 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.