Got Testicle Pain? It May Be Epididymitis

Listen up, fellas: If you’re experiencing pain, redness and swelling in your testicles, it’s time to call the doc. Scrotal pain can be a sign of many conditions, ranging from hernia to testicular torsion.

“Pain in the testicles should be evaluated by a doctor right away,” internist Roy Buchinsky, MD, says.

A common cause – and an easily treatable one – is epididymitis.

The epididymis is a tube that connects the testicles to the vas deferens. Clinical epididymitis occurs when the structure becomes painfully inflamed. The causes include bacterial infection, viral infection and, less commonly, chemical irritation.

Treatment for Epididymitis

Treatment usually involves antibiotics, painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication. Full recovery can occur in just a few days.

Dr. Buchinsky recommends that men wear supportive athletic underwear during the healing period to keep pain at bay.

“Scrotal support is very important,” he says.

Untreated, epididymitis can progress to an abscess that will eventually require surgical drainage.

“An abscess can be very threatening and cause sepsis or other major problems,” Dr. Buchinsky says. “But if you treat epididymitis without delay with the appropriate antibiotics, there should be no long-term problems.”

Roy Buchinsky, MD, is the Robert and Susan Hurwitz Master Clinician of Wellness for University Hospitals.