What causes epididymitis?

What causes epididymitis?

Most cases of epididymitis are caused by an infection, usually by the bacteria Mycoplasma or Chlamydia. These infections often come by way of sexually transmitted diseases. The bacterium E. coli can also cause the condition. Other infections, including with the mumps virus and, rarely, tuberculosis, can also cause epididymitis.

Sometimes epididymitis occurs when urine flows backward into the epididymis. This can happen as a result of heavy lifting. Other causes of epididymitis include:

• Blockage in the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the body)
• An enlarged or infected prostate gland (a muscular, walnut-sized gland that surrounds part of the urethra)
• Use of a catheter (a tube that drains the bladder)
• Traumatic groin injury