Orchitis

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Prevention

The mumps vaccine (MMR) can prevent mumps-related orchitis. Safe sex practices can prevent orchitis that is caused by sexually transmitted infections.

See also

• Epididymitis
• Testicular diseases
• Inflammation

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