Epididymitis

Epididymitis happens when the epididymis (tightly wound tubes in the testicles that sperm go through before they go outside the body) gets swollen and/or infected. This causes pain.

Causes:

• In sexually active men under 35 years old, usually bacteria get in during sexual intercourse and travel to the epididymis. Sometimes it is caused by the chlamydia bacteria or gonorrhea.
• It may be related to rectal intercourse.
• In men over 35 years, it is also related to problems with the prostate gland and those who have a urinary catheter put in. Usually germs in the urine go to the epididymis.
• In rare cases, it can be associated with other infections like TB or by taking the heart medication amiodarone. When the dose of amiodarone is lowered the epididymitis goes away.

Treatment:

• You will need to take antibiotics. Sometimes you will need to be admitted to the hospital to get the antibiotics through an IV (needle that goes into a vein). Your sexual partner may also need to take antibiotics.
• You will need to rest and raise the testicle that is painful by putting your scrotum on a towel
• Use ice packs for the pain
• Pain medication

Prevention:

It can not be prevented, except when it is caused by bacteria passed on by having sexual intercourse. To help prevent sexually transmitted disease, you should limit the number of people you have sex with and use a condom every time you have sex.

Return to the Emergency Department or see your doctor IF:

• You do not feel any better after 48 hours of treatment.
• You feel worse
• You suddenly get really bad pain in one testicle
• One of your testicles is swollen
• Fever with the other symptoms mentioned above
• Burning feeling when you pee
• Any discharge from your penis