10 Epididymitis Symptoms

By adr.ian

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. James, Emma R, et al. 'The Role of the Epididymis and the Contribution of Epididymosomes to Mammalian Reproduction.' International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 29 July 2020, [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7432785/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7432785/)
• 2. 'Male Genital Dysaesthesia.' Male Genital Dysaesthesia | DermNet NZ, dermnetnz.org/topics/male-genital-dysaesthesia/
• 3. Nickel, J Curtis. 'Chronic Epididymitis: a Practical Approach to Understanding and Managing a Difficult Urologic Enigma.' Reviews in Urology, MedReviews, LLC, 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1553215/
• 4. Epididymitis and Orchitis. 'What Is Epididymitis? '- Urology Care Foundation, [www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/epididymitis-and-orchitis.](http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/epididymitis-and-orchitis.)
• 5. Zhao, Hu, et al. 'The Immune Characteristics of the Epididymis and the Immune Pathway of the Epididymitis Caused by Different Pathogens.' Frontiers, Frontiers, 5 Aug. 2020, www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.02115/

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Affecting men of all ages, but more commonly in those aged between 14 and 35, epididymitis is the inflammation of the epididymis. The epididymis is a small tube located at the rear of a man's testicles, which can sometimes become swollen, causing pain. Its job is to store and carry sperm.¹James, Emma R, et al. ‘The Role of the Epididymis and the Contribution of Epididymosomes to Mammalian Reproduction.’ International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 29 July 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7432785/

The condition is usually caused by a bacterial infection, including those that are sexually transmitted. It can last up to six weeks or longer, depending on the severity, and normally improves with antibiotics. Epididymitis symptoms can range from mild to severe but will likely get worse if the condition is ignored.

Pressure in the Testicles

Many people with epididymitis experience pain or pressure in the testicles. This symptom of epididymitis can also occur due to other factors such as a minor injury, hernia or kidney stones. In the beginning, these symptoms may include pressure at the back of just one testicle, but the pain and pressure can soon spread to both testis, the scrotum and sometimes the groin.

Taking warm baths and using ice to reduce the swelling may offer some relief to the discomfort felt due to the pressure. Over-the-counter pain medications can help, with more severe pain requiring the attention of a doctor.