HealthInfo Canterbury
Infection of the testicles (epididymo-orchitis)
Epididymo-orchitis is an inflammation of your testicle and the tubes attached to the testicle, which are called the epididymis. It causes pain and swelling in your testicle, and it may also be painful to pass urine (wee). It's usually caused by an infection. Often it's caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but it can also be caused by a urine infection. In boys, it can be caused by mumps.
The usual test for epididymo-orchitis is a urine (wee) sample. You may also need a swab from the penis.
Epididymo-orchitis usually treated with antibiotics. If you have a STI, your sexual partner will also need to be treated.
If you have pain or swelling in one of your testicles, you must see your doctor. If the pain is sudden and severe it may mean a twisted testicle, which needs to be looked at immediately.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- The New Zealand Sexual Health Society Incorporated – Epididymo-orchitis
A brief factsheet about epididymo-orchitis.
- Patient.info – Epididymo-orchitis
An information sheet about inflammation of the epididymis and testis.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2019.
Review key: HITSP-26704
