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Is Epididymitis Contagious?

According to the University of Illinois Medical Center, epididymitis is not generally contagious but may accompany a contagious sexually transmitted disease.

  1. Background

    • Epididymitis is an infection of the epididymis, which is a tube located on the back of the testicle where the sperm pass.

    Symptoms

    • Potential symptoms of epididymitis are red, warm skin on the scrotum; swollen or tender testicle or groin area; testicle pain that feels worse during a bowel movement; fever and chills; discharge from the urethra; pain or burning with urination; pain with sex; lump in a testicle; lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort; or blood in the semen, according to the University of Michigan Health System.

    Causes

    • Bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases or prostate infection can cause epididymitis. Other possible causes are fungal infection, Henoch-Schoenlein purpura (a disease with rash and swelling of joints), prostate removal, a medical procedure that affects your urinary tract or a heart medicine called amiodarone.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for epididymitis is usually antibiotics.

    Prevention

    • To prevent epididymitis, keep your penis and scrotum clean, see your doctor promptly if you have burning when you urinate or a discharge from the penis and use a condom with sex.

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