Epididymitis is generally treated with 4 to 6 weeks of oral antibiotics. Hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be needed for severe infections. It is important to treat an affected person's sexual partners after a sexually transmitted disease. This prevents a repeat infection.
If examination and x-ray tests cannot rule out testicular torsion, surgery may be necessary. Untreated testicular torsion may lead to destruction of the affected testicle.
Medications used to treat this problem may cause:
If surgery is required, there is a risk of bleeding and infection, as with all surgeries.
A person may have a relapse if the course of medication is not long enough. In these cases, 6 weeks of medication may be needed. Sometimes, persons will need another 8 to 12 weeks of antibiotics after that.
Even if treated adequately, epididymitis can recur. Surgery to remove the epididymitis or the testicle may be needed if: