Causes

Causes of epididymitis include:

• STIs. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes of epididymitis in young, sexually active men.
• Other infections. Bacteria from a urinary tract or prostate infection might spread from the infected site to the epididymis. Also, viral infections, such as the mumps virus, can result in epididymitis.
• Urine in the epididymis (chemical epididymitis). This condition occurs when urine flows backward into the epididymis, possibly because of heavy lifting or straining.
• Trauma. A groin injury can cause epididymitis.
• Tuberculosis. Rarely, epididymitis can be caused by tuberculosis infection.