Epididymo-orchitis is a common infection that affects men and people with male genitals. It causes pain and swelling in one or both testicles (balls) and in the tube that carries semen out of your testicles (the epididymis).

The infection can be in the epididymis, which is known as epididymitis, or in the testicle itself, which is called orchitis. If the infection is in both areas it’s known as epididymo-orchitis.

The sooner you get diagnosed, the better. The infection tends to be treated with antibiotics and you should start to feel less sore and swollen within a few days of starting treatment.

Symptoms of epididymo-orchitis may include:

  • Pain in one or both testicles. This might happen all at once or build up slowly. 
  • 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, such as trouble peeing or a white, yellow or green discharge from the tip of your penis.

These symptoms can be tough to talk about but please do get in touch with us and ask for support. We just want to help you feel better. 

Epididymo-orchitis is usually caused by a sexually-transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. These infections are more likely in men who are under 35 years old, but you can get them at any age.

It can also be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI) though UTIs are less common in men.

Other less common causes of epididymo-orchitis include mumps, tuberculosis and groin injuries.

When you come to clinic, we will carry out some tests to find out the cause of the infection.

These may include:

  • a groin examination
  • a swab of the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra)
  • pee and blood tests
  • a rectal examination to check for problems with your prostate. This is where a doctor or nurse uses their gloved finger to check for any problems inside your bottom (rectum). 

While urethral swabs and rectal exams can seem daunting, they’re very quick and you should not feel any pain. We will do all we can to put you at ease. You can talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any fears or worries before you begin. 

Find out more about what will happen when you visit our clinics.

If you have an infection, you’ll usually be given antibiotics. Depending on the cause of the infection you may be given antibiotic injections or tablets or both.

You should start to feel better within a few days, but it may take up to 3 months after finishing the antibiotics to feel fully better. See your doctor straight away, if your symptoms get worse or have not improved after 3 days of treatment. 

Make sure you finish the whole course of antibiotics even after you start to feel better.

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

  • Take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with the pain. Always speak to a doctor or a pharmacist first because not all painkillers can be taken with the antibiotics used to treat epididymo-orchitis.
  • Hold a cold pack on your groin. A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel works just as well. 
  • Wear underwear that supports your scrotum.

If your epididymo-orchitis is caused by an STI such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, your current sexual partner and any recent partners will also need to be tested and treated. Do not have sex until both you and your partner have finished treatment.

We know you might feel awkward about discussing STIs with current or previous partners. We can contact them by text for you so they know to get tested. We do not give out your name. You can also call us on 0800 328 3383 for details of this service if you're being treated elsewhere.