Epididymitis Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Epididymitis is a common cause of testicular and scrotal pain for men and teens in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan. Understanding the symptoms and when to seek urgent care can help prevent complications, especially during our cold Michigan winters when urinary infections can be more frequent.

What Is the Epididymis?

The epididymis is a long, coiled tube attached to the back of each testicle. Its main jobs are to:

  • Collect sperm from the testicle
  • Store and help mature sperm before ejaculation

Epididymitis is inflammation of this tube. When the infection or inflammation spreads to the testicle itself, it is called epididymo-orchitis.

Epididymitis: A Common Cause of Scrotal Pain

Epididymitis is one of the most common reasons men in Grand Rapids visit urgent care or emergency departments for scrotal pain. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection that travels:

  • From the urethra (the tube that carries urine and semen out of the penis)
  • Through the urinary and reproductive tract
  • Into the epididymis

In younger, sexually active men, epididymitis is often linked to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. In older men, it is more often related to urinary tract infections (UTIs) or prostate problems.

Some people develop chronic epididymitis, which is long-lasting inflammation even when no active infection is present.

Epididymitis Symptoms

Symptoms can develop suddenly (acute) or more slowly (chronic). Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Swollen, enlarged, or warm testicle (usually on one side)
  • Redness of the scrotum
  • Pain or tenderness in the testicle or scrotum
  • A feeling of heaviness or dragging in the affected testicle
  • Pain in the lower abdomen, groin, or pelvis
  • Pain or burning when urinating
  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Blood in the urine
  • Pain when ejaculating
  • Mild fever or chills

If you live in Grand Rapids and notice sudden, severe testicular pain, do not wait. Go directly to the nearest emergency department at:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)

Sudden testicular pain may be a sign of testicular torsion, a surgical emergency.

Epididymitis vs. Testicular Torsion (Emergency Warning)

It can be difficult to tell the difference between epididymitis and testicular torsion, especially in children and teenagers.

  • Epididymitis: Pain often starts gradually and may be associated with urinary or STI symptoms.
  • Testicular torsion: Pain is usually sudden and severe. The testicle twists and cuts off its own blood supply.

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency. It can cause permanent damage or loss of the testicle if not treated quickly (usually within 4–6 hours).

If you are in the Grand Rapids area and experience:

  • Sudden, severe testicular pain
  • Nausea or vomiting with testicular pain
  • A high-riding or very tender testicle

Go to a hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.

Causes of Epididymitis

Most cases of epididymitis are caused by bacterial infection. Common causes include:

1. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

More common in sexually active younger men:

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea

These are prevalent in many urban areas, including Grand Rapids, and can be diagnosed and treated at local sexual health clinics.

2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

More common in older men or those with urinary problems:

  • Bladder infections
  • Prostate infections
  • Recurrent UTIs

Cold Michigan winters and reduced fluid intake can sometimes contribute to more frequent UTIs.

3. Recent Genitourinary Procedures

  • Prostate surgery (prostatectomy)
  • Cystoscopy or other procedures involving the urinary tract
  • Recent catheter use (a tube placed into the bladder to drain urine)

4. Structural or Medical Conditions

  • Congenital (present at birth) kidney or bladder problems
  • Prostate enlargement causing urinary flow problems

Sometimes, especially in chronic cases, no clear cause is found.

Possible Complications of Untreated Epididymitis

If epididymitis is not treated promptly and correctly, complications can include:

  • Chronic epididymitis – ongoing pain and inflammation lasting more than 3 months
  • Abscess – a pocket of pus in or around the epididymis, sometimes requiring surgery to drain
  • Permanent damage or destruction of the epididymis or testicle
    • This can affect sperm production and lead to infertility
  • Spread of infection – from the scrotum to the bloodstream or other organs, causing serious illness

Early diagnosis and treatment at a Grand Rapids clinic or hospital can significantly reduce these risks.

How Epididymitis Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

If you see a doctor in Grand Rapids for scrotal or testicular pain, they may:

  • Take a detailed medical history
  • Perform a physical examination of the scrotum, testicles, abdomen, and groin
  • Order urine tests to look for infection
  • Order STI tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other infections
  • Order blood tests to check for signs of infection
  • Arrange a scrotal ultrasound to:
    • Check blood flow to the testicles (to rule out torsion)
    • Look for swelling, fluid, or abscess

In Grand Rapids, scrotal ultrasound is commonly done through hospital imaging departments such as those at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health – University of Michigan Health-West.

Treatment for Acute Epididymitis

Treatment depends on the cause but usually includes:

1. Antibiotics

  • Prescribed based on the suspected cause (UTI vs. STI)
  • Must be taken exactly as directed and for the full course, even if you start to feel better
  • If an STI is the cause, sexual partners should also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection

2. Supportive Care at Home

  • Bed rest or reduced activity, especially in the first few days
  • Scrotal elevation (supportive underwear or an athletic supporter/jockstrap)
  • Cold compresses or ice packs wrapped in a cloth, applied to the scrotum for 15–20 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling
  • Pain-relieving medications, such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as recommended by your doctor

3. Hospital Care (Severe Cases)

You may need a short hospital stay at a local Grand Rapids hospital if:

  • Fever is high
  • Pain is severe
  • There is concern about an abscess or spreading infection
  • You have other serious health conditions

Follow-Up

Your healthcare provider will usually recommend a follow-up visit to:

  • Confirm that the infection has cleared
  • Make sure pain and swelling are improving

If symptoms have not improved within 48–72 hours of starting antibiotics, the diagnosis should be re-evaluated. Your doctor may repeat tests or imaging to rule out torsion, abscess, or other causes.

Chronic Epididymitis

What Is Chronic Epididymitis?

Chronic epididymitis is ongoing inflammation and pain in the epididymis lasting at least 3 months, even when no active infection is present.

Possible Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is often unknown, but may involve:

  • Hypersensitivity of nerves and muscles in the scrotum and pelvic area
  • Past acute epididymitis
  • Previous genitourinary surgery
  • Past STI exposure

Even if you do not have these risk factors, you can still develop chronic epididymitis.

Because chronic scrotal pain can also be caused by other conditions, your doctor may order tests to rule out:

  • Testicular cancer
  • Varicocele (enlarged scrotal veins)
  • Cysts or other masses

Diagnosing Chronic Epididymitis

Evaluation may include:

  • Detailed medical history and symptom review
  • Physical examination
  • Urine and STI tests
  • Scrotal ultrasound

Treatment for Chronic Epididymitis

Chronic epididymitis can be challenging to treat. Since there is usually no active infection, antibiotics are not recommended long term.

Treatment options may include:

  • Frequent warm baths to relax muscles and improve blood flow
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
  • Medications that modulate nerve signals to the scrotum (prescribed by a doctor)
  • Stress management techniques (stress can worsen chronic pain)
  • Pelvic floor physical therapy, which is available through some Grand Rapids physical therapy clinics
  • In rare, severe cases, surgery to remove the affected epididymis (epididymectomy) may be considered after other treatments fail

Men with chronic epididymitis in Grand Rapids may benefit from coordinated care between a primary care provider, a urologist, and sometimes a pain specialist.

Local Grand Rapids & West Michigan Resources

If you have symptoms of epididymitis or testicular pain, you can seek care from:

Primary and Specialty Care

  • Your primary care physician or family doctor
  • Local urology practices affiliated with:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)

Sexual Health & Public Health Resources

  • Kent County Health Department – offers STI testing, treatment, and sexual health education
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics – often provide low-cost or sliding-scale services
  • University and college health centers in the Grand Rapids area (for students)

Pharmacies across Grand Rapids can fill prescribed antibiotics and provide over-the-counter pain relief.

If you are unsure where to start, contacting the Kent County Health Department or your nearest hospital’s referral line can help you find a clinic or urologist.

When to Seek Immediate Help in Grand Rapids

Go to the nearest emergency department or call emergency services if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe testicular pain
  • Testicular pain with nausea, vomiting, or fever
  • A testicle that appears higher than usual or is extremely tender
  • Rapidly increasing scrotal swelling or redness
  • Signs of severe infection (high fever, chills, feeling very unwell)

Prompt evaluation can protect your fertility and prevent serious complications.

Key Points About Epididymitis

  • Epididymitis is one of the most common causes of scrotal pain in men and teens.
  • It is usually caused by bacterial infection, often from a UTI or STI.
  • Treatment typically includes antibiotics, bed rest, scrotal support, and pain relief.
  • A follow-up visit is important to ensure the infection has fully cleared.
  • Chronic epididymitis can occur even after infection is gone and may require long-term pain management strategies.
  • Sudden, severe testicular pain may be testicular torsion, a surgical emergency—seek immediate care at a Grand Rapids hospital.

If you live in the Grand Rapids, MI area and have any testicular or scrotal pain, do not ignore it. Early evaluation by a local healthcare provider can help you recover faster and avoid complications.