*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Epididymitis

Epididymitis is where a tube (the epididymis) at the back of the testicles becomes swollen and painful. It's often caused by an infection and is usually treated with antibiotics.

If the testicles are also affected, it may be called epididymo-orchitis.

Check if it's epididymitis

Symptoms of epididymitis may include:

sudden or gradual pain in 1 or both of your testicles (balls)
the bag of skin containing your testicles (scrotum) feeling tender, warm and swollen
a build-up of fluid around your testicle (a hydrocele) that feels like a lump or swelling

You may have other symptoms depending on the cause, such as difficulty peeing, or a white, yellow or green discharge from the tip of the penis.

Causes of epididymitis

Epididymitis is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. This is more likely in younger men under 35 years old.

If testing shows that your epididymitis is caused by a STI, it may be recommended that your current or recent sexual partners are also tested for STIs.

It can also be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), but UTIs are less common in men.

A UTI is more likely if you have:

an enlarged prostate gland
a urinary catheter
recently had surgery to the groin, prostate gland or bladder

Sometimes a cause cannot be found.

See a GP if you have:

a lump in your testicles
swollen testicles
a change in the shape of your testicles
a change in the way your testicles feel
1 testicle that's become bigger than the other
aching or discomfort in your testicles that does not go away

Lumps in the testicles can be a sign of testicular cancer. This is easier to treat if it's found early.

Sexual health clinics can help with epididymitis

You can also get treatment for epididymitis at a sexual health clinic.

They can provide the same antibiotics you'd get at your GP surgery.

Many sexual health clinics also offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.

Find a sexual health clinic

Go to A&E if you get sudden, unbearable pain in your testicles or tummy

This could be caused by your testicle becoming twisted and needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible.

Find your nearest A&E

What happens at your appointment

You'll usually need some tests first to find out the cause.

These may include:

a groin examination
a swab of the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra) - to test for infection
urine and blood tests
a rectal examination - to check for problems with your prostate

Treatments for epididymitis

If you have an infection, you'll usually be given antibiotics. Depending on the cause of the infection, you may be given antibiotic injections or tablets, or a combination of both.

It's important to finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.

You should start to feel better within a few days, but it may take up to 3 months to fully recover. If you still have symptoms after this, you might be referred for further tests.

There are some things you can do while you recover to help ease pain and swelling and prevent any further problems.

Do

take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to help with the pain - if you have a history of fits, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen should not be taken with some antibiotics used to treat epididymitis; speak to a pharmacist about the best painkiller to use if you're unsure
hold a cold pack (or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) on your groin
wear underwear that supports your scrotum

Don't

do not have sex if you have gonorrhoea or chlamydia until you have finished the full course of treatment

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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