Conditions
Epididymal Cyst
An epididymal cyst is a smooth, fluid-filled lump found on the testicles. Although some men may worry that they are a sign of cancer or another serious problem, epididymal cysts are in fact benign and thus not a health risk.
The cysts form when fluid builds up in a tube behind the testicles called the epididymis, which stores and transports sperm. It is possible to have more than one cyst at a time and they can appear on both testicles. Up to a third of men are affected by this condition and the cysts can develop at any time in life, although it is most likely to occur in those who are middle-aged.
Epididymal cysts can be very small, but some can grow to the same size as a testicle or even as large as a grapefruit! There are normally no symptoms unless a cyst becomes infected, in which case it may drain fluid and become painful or swollen. Larger epididymal cysts can cause some discomfort, which is usually the reason why some men opt to have them removed. This procedure involves a simple operation to cut the cyst out of the epididymis. However, if a cyst is not infected and does not cause any pain or discomfort, it is not necessary to treat it.
Although epididymal cysts are benign, it is still important to get any new or unusual lumps and bumps in your genital area checked out by a GP.
Watch the Live from the Clinic interactive case video on testicular cysts >
Comments and Questions
You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
I have a cyst on my left test and a problem with veins on my right. I need the toilet 24/7 I cant go anywhere. I also have a pain that goes down my leg. and a pain in my lower back. I have been to my doc but he says not to worry about it, but its hard because I cant go anywhere at all with needing the toilet all the time and then the pain in my back. I sometimes lose power to my legs and fall. I fell in the bath the other night I just lost the power to my legs what can I do plz help me plz
Hi left testicle been aching on and off for a few weeks.felt what feels like a lump on bottom of testicle.been 2 gp he thinks its a cyst got some antibiotics and waiting for ultra sound
its interesting treating a cysts with antibiotics.. if there is no actual infection present...seems thete are lots of placebo methods of treating this condition..a broad spectrum antibiotic will sort infection but wont stop that dull thudding pain.. the pain is because the cysts is Exerting pressure on your testicle much like actually squeeseing it with the fingers...only way to stop it doing that is to stop fluid build up or drain fluid..try an 8 gauge needle straight into your cysts being sure your sanitise everything throughly...let the fluid run until it stops then remove needle...use a torch to shine through the cysts...to make sure your are not hitting a blood vessel..almost painless and then no ache...your will have to repeat this every few months but once your work up th er courage to SELF Drain it youll be fine think twice before.your let them talk your into surgery....as results are....Not Guaranteed and your may ends up with a golden staff to add to your misery...on the bright side its only a cysts not cancer right ....
Ho I'm 15 and my left testicle is much bigger than my right testicle, Where can I go to get this checked out ?
Hello i'm a 27 year old man and i've found a little lumb in my left testicle its really softed and painfull what could this be.. please get back to me as soon as possible as i'm really worried about it.
I have about 20 epidydimal cysts on my testicles and ive had them for 10 years (im now 24) It bothers me so much i dont bother to have sex even tho I'm in my prime because i am more than ashamed. I have felt suicidal about it. I had them operated on and removed but they just came back. I dont know what to do anymore. I have no confidence left. Is there no way to put an end to this?
my cysts were the size off tennis balls I drained one with a syrenge last week so far no problem... I do plan to drain the other two in same manner ..... . we need more sites like this to discuss this massive problem...
p.s. up do NOT have to be cut open for something as simple as a cysts...ask for them to be drained or reply to this thread IF up want to know how to SAFELY drain them....surgery can't leave you with epidimal scarring that can't make you infertile....
How did you drain them?
do epididymal/epidermal cysts on the testes sometimes ache? had the ultrasound a few years ago on it and it was fine?
Is an operation the only way to get rid of it?
1m 14 years old and there is like a cord connected to my testicles then a little pea sized lump on the cord what could this be
I have this and went to the doctors and they said it was cyst, they only do ultra sound If it's actually attached to the testical as the cyst should be free moving
Its Probably a Cyst IF you take a STRONG torch and shine it through the skin BELOW the Lump and you can see straight THROUGH it ...then its filled with Fluid and a CYST....IF you CANT see through IT GO TO YOUR DOCTOR Immediately and have a Ultrasound....
Shine a strong Torch Thru the LUMP if you can see through its just a Cyst and no problem IF NOT then go to your GP immediately...
i am 14 and have a pea sized lump attached to my right testicle what is this most likely to be ?
Important Notice
The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
If you want to embed our videos in your site, read our embedding T&Cs here




