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Orchitis – Symptoms and causes
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: Pacific Cross
Nội dung bài viết / Table of Contents
This post is also available in: Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicles. It can be caused by either bacteria or a virus. Both testicles may be affected by orchitis at the same time. However, the symptoms usually appear in just one testicle. This kind of testicular inflammation is often associated with the mumps virus.
Please discuss with your doctor for further information.
The common symptoms of orchitis are:
The terms “testicle pain” and “groin pain” are sometimes used interchangeably. But groin pain occurs in the fold of skin between the thigh and abdomen — not in the testicle. The causes of groin pain are different from the causes of testicle pain.
There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
If you experience pain or swelling in your scrotum, especially if the pain occurs suddenly, see your doctor right away.
A number of conditions can cause testicle pain, and some of the conditions require immediate treatment. One such condition involves twisting of the spermatic cord (testicular torsion), which may cause pain similar to that caused by orchitis. Your doctor can perform tests to determine which condition is causing your pain.
A virus or bacteria can cause orchitis.
The most common cause of viral orchitis is the mumps. Mumps is a viral childhood disease that’s rare in the United States due to effective immunization programs. The Mayo Clinic estimates that 33 percent of men who get the mumps as teens also develop orchitis. Viral orchitis related to the mumps develops anywhere from four to 10 days after the salivary glands swell. Salivary gland swelling is a symptom of the mumps.
Bacterial infection can also lead to orchitis in males. Urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and a related condition called epididymitis can result in orchitis, too. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis. This is the tube that stores sperm and connects the testicles to the vas deferens.
There are many risk factors for orchitis, such as:
Sexual behaviors that can lead to STIs put you at risk of sexually transmitted orchitis. Those behaviors include having:
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and your symptoms. They’ll perform a physical examination to determine the extent of the inflammation.
You may need a prostate examination to see if your prostate is inflamed. This involves your doctor inserting a finger into your rectum to physically examine the prostate.
Your doctor may ask for a urine sample and swab any discharge for lab analysis. This can determine if you have STIs or other infections.
Ultrasound imaging can rule out testicular torsion. Testicular torsion is another condition that causes extreme pain in the testicles and groin area, and the symptoms are often confused with those of orchitis.
Testicular torsion is the twisting of the spermatic cord — a network of nerves and blood vessels that runs into each testicle. It can threaten your fertility if it interrupts blood flow to your testicles. Therefore, you should see a physician immediately.
There’s no cure for viral orchitis, but the condition will go away on its own. In the meantime, you can use remedies at home to manage your symptoms. Taking pain relievers, applying ice packs, and elevating the testicles when possible can make you more comfortable.
Bacterial orchitis is treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and cold packs. Regardless of the source of your inflammation, full recovery can take several weeks.
Abstain from sexual intercourse and heavy lifting while you treat orchitis. If you’re infected with an STI, your partner will need treatment, too.
The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with orchitis:
If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you. Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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