Epididymitis

Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, which is a tube that stores and transports sperm from the testes.

It may be caused by a variety of bacteria, some of which may be sexually transmitted.

One or all of the following symptoms may occur:

• Gradual feeling of pain or tenderness in one testicle
• Swelling, redness or a lump in the affected testicle
• Fever
• Urethral discharge (discharge from the penis)
• Blood in the semen

Epididymitis is treated with antibiotics. It is important to finish all the medication. To ensure that the medication is working and your symptoms are improving, you should return to the clinic at the time requested by your health provider. Do not have any sexual activity during treatment.

The bacteria that causes epididymitis can be transmitted through sexual activities. You can pass the infection to your partner(s) even when there are no symptoms.

Encourage your partner(s) to be tested before resuming any sexual activity.

If untreated, epididymitis can lead to:

• Abscess in the scrotum
• Chronic epididymitis
• Infertility (the inability to produce sperm)