Knowledge | Orchitis Should Not Be Ignored: Delayed Treatment May Cause Infertility
Orchitis is a common male reproductive disorder involving inflammation of one or both testicles, usually due to infection. Patients often develop sudden, severe testicular pain with redness, swelling, fever, and nausea. Without prompt treatment, orchitis may cause testicular atrophy, abscesses, reduced testosterone, and impaired fertility.
Sudden Testicular Pain? Watch for These Symptoms
Orchitis usually begins suddenly. Typical symptoms include:
Severe testicular pain that may radiate to the groin;
Testicular swelling, red or purple discoloration, and a feeling of heaviness;
Blood in the semen;
High fever, nausea, and vomiting;
Pain during urination or bowel movements;
Pain and discomfort during sex.
Some patients may also have increased penile discharge or a burning sensation before or after urination. Sudden severe testicular pain and swelling may indicate testicular torsion, another serious condition requiring emergency care.
Bacterial or Viral? How Different Infections Cause Orchitis
Orchitis may be caused by bacteria or viruses. Common bacteria include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus. They may reach the testicles through the bloodstream or spread from an infection of the prostate or epididymis. Concurrent prostatitis or epididymitis increases the risk of orchitis.
Among sexually active men aged 19 to 35, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are an important cause, especially gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Multiple sexual partners, high-risk sexual behavior, or a history of STDs increase the risk.
The mumps virus is another important cause of orchitis, especially among unvaccinated boys. Studies indicate that about one-third of people with mumps develop orchitis, which in severe cases may cause testicular atrophy and permanent infertility.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Men who have not received the mumps vaccine (MMR vaccine);
People with frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs);
Men over age 45, who are more prone to prostate disease;
To diagnose orchitis and rule out other conditions, a physician may perform:
Testicular ultrasound: To distinguish orchitis from testicular torsion;
Digital rectal examination: To check for prostate infection;
Urine testing: To screen for STDs and other infections;
Blood testing: To check for pathogens such as HIV and syphilis.
How Is Orchitis Treated? Medication and Home Care
Most cases of orchitis require antibiotics to eliminate the pathogen and prevent the infection from spreading. A standard course lasts 10 days, although concurrent prostatitis may require longer treatment.
There is no specific medication for orchitis caused by mumps, so treatment focuses on symptom relief. The condition usually resolves within 1 to 3 weeks. Physicians may also recommend:
Anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation;
Supportive underwear or a scrotal support to reduce discomfort caused by movement;
Cold packs wrapped in a towel for 15–20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain.
During treatment, the sexual partners of patients with an STD should also be treated. Patients should avoid sex or use condoms until symptoms have completely resolved to prevent reinfection.
What Serious Complications Can Occur Without Treatment?
Untreated orchitis may cause:
Testicular atrophy: Inflammation can shrink the testicle and impair sperm production;
Abscess: Infected tissue may form a scrotal abscess;
Reduced testosterone: Chronic inflammation may affect testosterone production;
Infertility: In severe cases, damage to both testicles may cause permanent infertility.
How Can Orchitis Be Prevented?
Avoid high-risk sexual behavior to reduce the risk of STDs;
Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections;
Receive the MMR vaccine to prevent mumps-related orchitis;
Attend regular checkups, and men over age 50 should monitor prostate health.
Physician Reminder: Do Not Delay Treatment
Physicians warn that earlier treatment leads to faster recovery. Seek immediate care for severe testicular pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting. Delayed treatment may cause infertility or even require surgical removal of a testicle. Men should monitor their health and reduce risk factors to help prevent orchitis.
Knowledge | Orchitis Should Not Be Ignored: Delayed Treatment May Cause Infertility
Knowledge | Orchitis Should Not Be Ignored: Delayed Treatment May Cause Infertility
Orchitis is a common male reproductive disorder involving inflammation of one or both testicles, usually due to infection. Patients often develop sudden, severe testicular pain with redness, swelling, fever, and nausea. Without prompt treatment, orchitis may cause testicular atrophy, abscesses, reduced testosterone, and impaired fertility.
Sudden Testicular Pain? Watch for These Symptoms
Orchitis usually begins suddenly. Typical symptoms include:
Severe testicular pain that may radiate to the groin;
Testicular swelling, red or purple discoloration, and a feeling of heaviness;
Blood in the semen;
High fever, nausea, and vomiting;
Pain during urination or bowel movements;
Pain and discomfort during sex.
Some patients may also have increased penile discharge or a burning sensation before or after urination. Sudden severe testicular pain and swelling may indicate testicular torsion, another serious condition requiring emergency care.
Bacterial or Viral? How Different Infections Cause Orchitis
Orchitis may be caused by bacteria or viruses. Common bacteria include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus. They may reach the testicles through the bloodstream or spread from an infection of the prostate or epididymis. Concurrent prostatitis or epididymitis increases the risk of orchitis.
Among sexually active men aged 19 to 35, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are an important cause, especially gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Multiple sexual partners, high-risk sexual behavior, or a history of STDs increase the risk.
The mumps virus is another important cause of orchitis, especially among unvaccinated boys. Studies indicate that about one-third of people with mumps develop orchitis, which in severe cases may cause testicular atrophy and permanent infertility.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Men who have not received the mumps vaccine (MMR vaccine);
People with frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs);
Men over age 45, who are more prone to prostate disease;
Patients requiring long-term urinary catheterization.
How Is Orchitis Diagnosed?
To diagnose orchitis and rule out other conditions, a physician may perform:
Testicular ultrasound: To distinguish orchitis from testicular torsion;
Digital rectal examination: To check for prostate infection;
Urine testing: To screen for STDs and other infections;
Blood testing: To check for pathogens such as HIV and syphilis.
How Is Orchitis Treated? Medication and Home Care
Most cases of orchitis require antibiotics to eliminate the pathogen and prevent the infection from spreading. A standard course lasts 10 days, although concurrent prostatitis may require longer treatment.
There is no specific medication for orchitis caused by mumps, so treatment focuses on symptom relief. The condition usually resolves within 1 to 3 weeks. Physicians may also recommend:
Anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation;
Supportive underwear or a scrotal support to reduce discomfort caused by movement;
Cold packs wrapped in a towel for 15–20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain.
During treatment, the sexual partners of patients with an STD should also be treated. Patients should avoid sex or use condoms until symptoms have completely resolved to prevent reinfection.
What Serious Complications Can Occur Without Treatment?
Untreated orchitis may cause:
Testicular atrophy: Inflammation can shrink the testicle and impair sperm production;
Abscess: Infected tissue may form a scrotal abscess;
Reduced testosterone: Chronic inflammation may affect testosterone production;
Infertility: In severe cases, damage to both testicles may cause permanent infertility.
How Can Orchitis Be Prevented?
Avoid high-risk sexual behavior to reduce the risk of STDs;
Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections;
Receive the MMR vaccine to prevent mumps-related orchitis;
Attend regular checkups, and men over age 50 should monitor prostate health.
Physician Reminder: Do Not Delay Treatment
Physicians warn that earlier treatment leads to faster recovery. Seek immediate care for severe testicular pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting. Delayed treatment may cause infertility or even require surgical removal of a testicle. Men should monitor their health and reduce risk factors to help prevent orchitis.
Story source:
Collected online