Can Epididymitis Recur? Causes and Prevention of Recurrence

Question

I’m wondering if this could be a recurrence of epididymitis.

I was treated for epididymitis in my early 30s, and it has been about 7 years since then. Recently, when I shower or get dressed, I occasionally experience very mild contact in the area, but it causes slight pain. I’m curious whether this could indicate a recurrence.

Additionally, when I do physically demanding work, I sometimes feel a cramp-like pain in the prostate area. I’m wondering if this could be prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Ryu Kyung-ho · Accepted Answer

Hello, this is Dr. Ryu Kyung-ho from Goldman Urology Clinic, Gangnam Branch.

You may be concerned about the possibility of recurrence, given that you are experiencing pain again 7 years after being treated for epididymitis.

Mild pain felt during activities such as showering or getting dressed may be due to a recurrence of chronic epididymitis or increased nerve sensitivity around the epididymis. In addition, the cramp-like pain in the prostate area that occurs during physical exertion is similar to symptoms seen in prostatitis.

In men in their 30s, such symptoms are far more commonly associated with chronic prostatitis or pelvic muscle tension rather than benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The epididymis and prostate are anatomically connected, so inflammation in the prostate can cause referred pain to the epididymis, and vice versa. Therefore, it is important to evaluate both areas together.

While this could be a temporary symptom related to fatigue, if the pain recurs, it is advisable to undergo further evaluation, such as ultrasound or urine testing, to assess your condition.

At our urology clinic, each branch is equipped with extensive clinical experience. We carefully assess each patient’s symptoms and overall health to provide accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

Identifying the exact cause is the first step toward effective treatment, so if your symptoms persist, we recommend visiting a urology clinic for proper evaluation.

We hope this information is helpful. Thank you.