Orchitis: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:10, 15 February 2025

Inflammation of the testes

Orchitis

Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testes, often caused by infection. It can result in pain, swelling, and a feeling of heaviness in the affected testicle. Orchitis can occur in conjunction with epididymitis, which is inflammation of the epididymis, and this condition is known as epididymo-orchitis.

Causes

Orchitis is most commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections. The most frequent bacterial cause is the spread of a urinary tract infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Viral orchitis is often associated with the mumps virus, particularly in post-pubertal males.

Symptoms

The symptoms of orchitis can include:

Swelling in one or both testicles
Pain ranging from mild to severe
Tenderness in the affected area
Fever
Nausea
General feeling of being unwell

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of orchitis typically involves a physical examination and a review of symptoms. Ultrasonography is a key diagnostic tool used to assess the condition of the testes and to rule out other conditions such as testicular torsion. Blood tests and urine tests may also be conducted to identify the presence of infection.

Treatment

Treatment for orchitis depends on the underlying cause. Bacterial orchitis is treated with antibiotics, while viral orchitis may require supportive care, such as pain relief and rest. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary if the condition is severe.

Complications

If left untreated, orchitis can lead to complications such as:

Testicular atrophy, where the affected testicle shrinks
Infertility, particularly if both testicles are affected
Chronic pain

Prevention

Preventive measures for orchitis include practicing safe sex to reduce the risk of STIs and ensuring vaccination against mumps. Regular medical check-ups can also help in early detection and treatment of infections that could lead to orchitis.

Related pages

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-'''Orchitis''' is an [[inflammation]] of the [[testes]]. It involves swelling and frequent infections, which can be either bacterial or viral. Orchitis can be related to [[epididymitis]], an inflammation of the tube that carries sperm out of the testes.
+{{Short description|Inflammation of the testes}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
+== Orchitis ==
+[[File:Ultrasonography_of_orchitis.jpg|thumb|right|Ultrasonography image showing orchitis]]
+'''Orchitis''' is an inflammation of one or both [[testes]], often caused by infection. It can result in pain, swelling, and a feeling of heaviness in the affected testicle. Orchitis can occur in conjunction with [[epididymitis]], which is inflammation of the [[epididymis]], and this condition is known as epididymo-orchitis.
 == Causes ==
-Orchitis can be caused by many different types of bacteria and viruses. The most common virus that causes orchitis is [[mumps]]. It is most common in boys after puberty. Orchitis usually develops 4 to 6 days after the mumps begins. Because of childhood vaccinations, mumps is now rare in the United States.
+Orchitis is most commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections. The most frequent bacterial cause is the spread of a [[urinary tract infection]] or a [[sexually transmitted infection]] (STI), such as [[gonorrhea]] or [[chlamydia]]. Viral orchitis is often associated with the [[mumps]] virus, particularly in post-pubertal males.
-Bacteria, especially sexually transmitted bacteria, can also cause orchitis in men of any age. This is often the result of [[epididymitis]], an inflammation of the epididymis. Because the testicles and epididymis are in the same area of the body, they often become infected at the same time. This is called epididymo-orchitis.
+== Symptoms ==
+The symptoms of orchitis can include:
+* Swelling in one or both testicles
+* Pain ranging from mild to severe
+* Tenderness in the affected area
+* Fever
+* Nausea
+* General feeling of being unwell
-== Symptoms ==
+== Diagnosis ==
-Symptoms of orchitis can include pain, swelling, or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. The testicles may also be sore and tender to the touch. Other symptoms can include fever, nausea, vomiting, and a discharge from the penis. Pain may also be felt in the groin area. If orchitis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the person may also have an unusual discharge from the penis.
+Diagnosis of orchitis typically involves a physical examination and a review of symptoms. [[Ultrasonography]] is a key diagnostic tool used to assess the condition of the testes and to rule out other conditions such as [[testicular torsion]]. Blood tests and urine tests may also be conducted to identify the presence of infection.
 == Treatment ==
-Treatment for orchitis depends on the cause. If the cause is bacteria, antibiotics will be given. If the cause is the mumps virus, the body will fight the virus on its own. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications and cold packs can be used to relieve pain and swelling. It can take several weeks for the testicle to return to its normal size. A man with orchitis should also avoid lifting heavy objects and should not have sex until his doctor tells him it is safe to do so.
+Treatment for orchitis depends on the underlying cause. Bacterial orchitis is treated with antibiotics, while viral orchitis may require supportive care, such as pain relief and rest. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary if the condition is severe.
+== Complications ==
+If left untreated, orchitis can lead to complications such as:
+* [[Testicular atrophy]], where the affected testicle shrinks
+* [[Infertility]], particularly if both testicles are affected
+* Chronic pain
 == Prevention ==
-The mumps vaccine (MMR) can prevent mumps-related orchitis. Safe sex practices can prevent orchitis that is caused by sexually transmitted infections.
+Preventive measures for orchitis include practicing safe sex to reduce the risk of STIs and ensuring vaccination against mumps. Regular medical check-ups can also help in early detection and treatment of infections that could lead to orchitis.
-== See also ==
+== Related pages ==
 * [[Epididymitis]]
-* [[Testicular diseases]]
+* [[Testicular torsion]]
-* [[Inflammation]]
+* [[Mumps]]
+* [[Sexually transmitted infection]]
-[[Category:Testicular disorders]]
-[[Category:Inflammation]]
-[[Category:Conditions of the male reproductive system]]
-{{stub}}
+[[Category:Inflammatory diseases of male genital organs]]