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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.

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:

Sometimes a cause cannot be found.

Less common causes of epididymitis

Sexual health clinics can help with epididymitis

You can also get treatment for epididymitis at a sexual health clinic.

They can provide the same antibiotics you'd get at your GP surgery.

Many sexual health clinics also offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.

Find a sexual health clinic

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

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.


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


  • take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to help with the pain – if you have a history of fits, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen should not be taken with some antibiotics used to treat epididymitis; speak to a pharmacist about the best painkiller to use if you’re unsure

  • hold a cold pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) on your groin

  • wear underwear that supports your scrotum


  • do not have sex if you have gonorrhoea or chlamydia until you have finished the full course of treatment