How is it treated?

Rest and painkillers

If you've been diagnosed with epididymitis, you'll need to rest and take over-the-counter painkillers to manage any pain. Ibuprofen may be recommended, as this also eases the inflammation.

It may help to:

  • lie in bed with your scrotum raised
  • wear a scrotal support
  • hold a cold pack to your groin (try a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel)

Antibiotics

If the underlying cause is an infection,you mayneed antibiotics .Read about the:

  • treatment of gonorrhoea
  • treatment of chlamydia
  • treatment of a urinary tract infection

If you have gonorrhoea or chlamydia, you'll need to avoid having sex until you and your partner have completed treatment for this.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018