At the back of each testicle is a coiled tube called the epididymis that stores and carries sperm.
When this tube become inflamed (painful, warm and swollen), it’s known as epididymitis.
The cause of epididymitis is usually an infection, and antibiotics may be needed. It might take several weeks for the symptoms to get better.
If the testicles are also inflamed, it’s known as epididymo-orchitis.
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 like a lump or a swelling
Sometimes there may also be a discharge from the tip of the penis.
This means the cause may be a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
If it becomes difficult to pee, or you need to pee more often.
This means the cause may be a urinary tract infection.
If you think you have these symptoms you should see your doctor , so the cause can be properly examined for further investigation.
What are the Causes of Epididymitis
Epididymitis is usually caused by:
- Sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
UTIs are much less common in men than women.
In men, a UTI may be caused by an enlarged prostate gland pressing on the bladder, or recent surgery to the groin, prostate gland or bladder.
Men of any age can develop epididymitis.
More unusually, epididymitis is caused by:
- Mumps
- Tuberculosis
- urine flowing back into the epididymis after heavy lifting or straining, or associated with an enlarged prostate gland
- a groin injury
When the cause isn’t known, it’s termed idiopathic epididymitis.
Investigation
A physical examination of your groin is likely required to check for signs of inflammation and infection.
To find out the underlying cause of the epididymitis, you may need to have:
- a test for gonorrhea and chlamydia, where a narrow swab is inserted into your penis to collect a sample of discharge
- urine and blood tests
- if there is any suspicion that you have an underlying testicular lump, an ultrasound scan of the scrotum may be recommended
Treatment for Epididymitis
1.) Rest and painkillers
If you’ve been diagnosed with epididymitis, you’ll need to rest and painkillers to manage any pain.
It may help to: lie in bed with your scrotum raised, wear a scrotal support, or hold a cold pack to your groin
2.) Antibiotics
If the underlying cause is an infection, you may need treatment of 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What about my partner?
If you have been diagnosed with an STD then all recent partners need to have a full sexual health screen and antibiotic treatment. Your clinic will advise you further about this.
When can I have sex again?
You must not have sex again until both you and your partners have each completed treatment and follow up by your doctor
What happens if my epididymo-orchitis is left untreated?
The testicular pain and swelling will last much longer.
Untreated infection is more likely to lead to complications such as:
- Epididymo-orchitis (inflammed testicles )
- Long term testicular pain
- Loss of fertility
Partner Clinics
1) DTAP Clinic @Somerset
Men’s Lifestyle Clinic
Address: 1 Grange Road, #10-08 Orchard Building (Office Tower), Singapore 239693
Telephone: +65 6262 0762
WhatsApp: +65 8372 8393 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday to Thursday: 9.30 am – 2.00 pm & 3.00 pm – 6.30 pm Friday: 9.30 am – 1.00 pm & 2.00 pm – 6.30 pm Saturday: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station: Somerset MRT Station
2) DTAP Clinic @Novena
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Address: 10 Sinaran Drive, #08-31 Novena Medical Centre, Singapore 307506
Telephone: +65 6397 2095
WhatsApp: +65 9859 8376 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday to Friday: 8.30 am – 5.30 pm Saturday: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station: Novena MRT Station (Exit A)
3) DTAP Clinic @Holland Village
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Address: 15B Lorong Liput, (Next to Holland Piazza), Singapore 277730
Telephone: +65 6235 1339
WhatsApp: +65 8825 8034 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday – Friday: 8.00 am – 8.00 pm Saturday & Sunday: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm Closed on Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station(s): Holland Village MRT Station (Exit B) & (Exit C)
4) DTAP Clinic @Robertson
Men’s Health & Anonymous HIV Testing Clinic
Anonymous HIV Testing in Singapore: (Don’t require any identification, such as passport, NRIC or contact details during registration. )
Address: 11 Unity Street, #02-06/07 Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995
Telephone: +65 6238 7810
WhatsApp: +65 8825 8037 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday to Friday: 8.00 am – 9.00 pm Saturday: 9.00 am – 9.00 pm Sunday: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm Closed on Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station: Fort Canning MRT Station (Exit A)
5) DTAP Clinic @Raffles Place
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Address: 20 Cecil Street, #02-01 PLUS, Singapore 049705
Telephone: +65 6962 7144
WhatsApp: +65 9864 3198 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday: 8.00 am – 6.00 pm Tuesday – Friday: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm Saturday: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station(s): Raffles Place MRT Station (Exit E) & Telok Ayer MRT Station (Exit B)
6) DTAP Clinic @Siglap
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Address: 914 East Coast Road, #01-04 The Domain, Singapore 459108
Telephone: +65 6962 2144
WhatsApp: +65 8892 1023 (For Appointment Only)
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time:
Monday & Friday: 9.00 am – 8.00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 10.00 am – 8.00 pm
Wednesday: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm
Saturday: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm
Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays
7) DTAP Clinic @Kovan
Men’s Health & Sexual Health Clinic
Address: Stars of Kovan, #01-21 988 Upper Serangoon Road Singapore 534733
Telephone: +65 6962 7191
WhatsApp: +65 8921 6820
Email: hello@dtapclinic.com.sg
Opening Time: Monday – Friday: 9.00 am – 7.00 pm Saturday: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays
Nearest MRT Station: Kovan MRT Station
