When to Seek Medical Care

Mild scrotal pain, urinary symptoms, or any of the other symptoms of epididymitis suggest a visit to your health care provider because the treatment for epididymitis is an antibiotic. If the doctor is concerned about complications or an alternative diagnosis, you will likely be sent to a hospital for further tests. If you have scrotal pain or urinary symptoms and cannot be seen by your health care provider (or if you do not have one), then you should go to a hospital's emergency department. Symptoms that require urgent care include these:

• Severe scrotal pain: This could represent testicular torsion, which is a very serious disease that needs immediate attention. The outcome for this particular diagnosis is time dependent. The faster you get treatment, the less damage may be done. Seek care immediately.

• Urinary symptoms

• Discharge from your penis

• Pain or burning with urination

• Urinary frequency (more often than normal)

• Fever and chills

• Nausea

• Abdominal or flank pain