Epididymitis
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.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Epididymitis is the inflammation of the epididymis a coiled tube at the back of each testicle that stores and carries sperm.
What are the symptoms of epididymitis?
Epididymitis causes sudden pain in one or both of the testicles. The scrotum will feel tender, warm and swollen. There may be a build-up of fluid around the testicle (a hydrocele), which will feel li
Why did I develop it?
Epididymitis is usually caused by: a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea , or a urinary tract infection (UTI) UTIs aremuch less common in men than women. In men, a UTI
How is it diagnosed?
Your GP will probably need to carry out a physical examination of your groin, to check for signs of inflammation and infection. To find out the underlying cause of the epididymitis, you may need to h
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 inf
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