Not available for this page. Translations will display where available.
Home / Directory / Sexual Health

Epididymo-orchitis

Page updated March 2024

What is epididymo-orchitis?

Epididymo-orchitis is the painful swelling of the testes and the tubes attached to each testicle. It is a common infection in adults. It can be mild to severe and is mostly caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can also be caused by other germs.

What will my GP do now for my epididymo-orchitis?

Your GP will ask about your health history. They will examine your testes, looking for the possible cause of swelling and pain. They may also screen you for STIs and other germs. Often treatment involves taking a course of antibiotics. Your GP may also refer you to a sexual health clinic to help manage your STI and contact tracing.

What will my GP do in the future for my epididymo-orchitis?

Your GP will see you again after four to five days to make sure your symptoms are getting better. They may discuss the results from your STI screening or other tests. It may take a few weeks for the swelling and pain to go away. Your GP may refer you to a specialist doctor if your symptoms are not getting better.

What questions could I ask my doctor?

  • What if my symptoms change?
  • What is contact tracing?
  • Are there any complications?

What can I do about my epididymo-orchitis?

Attend all follow-up appointments with your GP. Tell your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve. Finish your entire course of antibiotics even if you feel better.

Look after your scrotum by:

  • Minimising physical activity
  • Wearing firmly fitting underwear with soft padding
  • Using an ice pack
  • Taking medicine for pain and swelling
  • Soaking in a sitz bath

You should not have sex until seven days after stopping treatment if you’ve had an STI.

 

What supports are available?

  • Liverpool Sexual Health Clinic

    The Liverpool Sexual Health Clinic offers support for people with STIs and will help you with contact tracing.

    Staff can also help you manage and cope with your STI. Your GP may refer you or you can contact the clinic yourself.

    Address: Ground Floor, 13 Elizabeth Street, Liverpool

    02 9827 8022 Go to website
  • Private urologist

    Your GP may refer you to a private urologist if your condition is severe or not getting better.

Where can I learn more?

Other content formats, share & print

Important: This information is to be viewed by someone who has received a diagnosis from their doctor. It is not designed to be used to diagnose a condition or as a substitute for ongoing medical care.

Health Resource Directory factsheets are endorsed by South Western Sydney PHN’s Community Advisory Committee and local GPs
More from the directory on

Sexual health

Mycoplasma genitalium Transgender children and young people Transgender adults Emergency contraception Sexual health Urethral discharge in males Permanent contraception (Steralisation) Acute pelvic pain in women Genital ulcers Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP)

Find something else

All Categories
Was this information useful?
"Thanks. If you have any other feedback, let us know."
What feedback do you have?
Accessibility by WAH