Orchitis

Orchitis is a condition where one or both testicles become inflamed, swollen, and painful. This inflammation is often caused by an infection. Common infections that can lead to orchitis include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and mumps.

The epididymis, a coiled tube located behind the testicle that stores and carries sperm, is often affected along with the testicle. When the epididymis is also infected, the condition is called epididymitis. If both the testicle and epididymis are infected, it's called epididymo-orchitis.

Orchitis usually causes pain and swelling in the scrotum (the pouch that holds the testicles). Treatment typically involves wearing supportive underwear, applying ice packs, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes antibiotics, depending on the cause. It's important to note that the discomfort and tenderness in the scrotum can last for several weeks or even months.

In rare cases, severe orchitis can impact a person's ability to have children (fertility). This is more likely to happen if the infection occurs during childhood or adolescence.

Testicle pain often comes on suddenly. This pain can range from a little discomfort to severe agony. Other symptoms might include:

• Swelling in one or both testicles: This swelling can be noticeable.
• Fever: A fever is a sign of infection.
• Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can accompany a fever.
• Feeling unwell (malaise): This is a general feeling of being sick.

If you experience sudden pain or swelling in your scrotum, see a doctor right away. Many things can cause testicle pain, and some improve on their own. However, some conditions need immediate medical attention. One serious condition is testicular torsion, which is when the spermatic cord, which carries blood to the testicle, twists. The pain of testicular torsion can feel similar to the pain of orchitis. A doctor can perform tests to determine the cause of your pain and recommend the best course of treatment.

If you have sudden pain or swelling in your scrotum, see a doctor right away. Many things can cause testicle pain, and some get better on their own. But some need immediate attention.

One serious problem is testicular torsion. This is when the spermatic cord, which carries blood to the testicle, twists. This twisting can cause a lot of pain. The pain from testicular torsion can sometimes feel similar to the pain from orchitis, which is inflammation of the testicle. A doctor can perform tests to figure out what's causing your pain and give you the right treatment.

Orchitis is swelling of the testicles, often caused by an infection. Sometimes, the cause isn't clear.

In many cases, orchitis is connected to a related infection called epididymitis. Epididymitis is usually caused by an infection in the urethra or bladder that spreads to the epididymis, a tube near the testicle. Sometimes, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is the cause, but this is less common in adults.

The mumps virus is a frequent cause of viral orchitis. About one in three males who get mumps after puberty will also experience orchitis. This usually happens 4 to 7 days after the first signs of mumps. Because of widespread childhood vaccinations against mumps, this type of orchitis is less common now than it used to be.

Orchitis, an inflammation of the testicles, can be caused by several things. One important cause is problems with the urinary system that aren't treated. For example, an enlarged prostate or scar tissue in the tube that carries urine out of the body (urethral stricture) can increase the risk.

Medical procedures that involve going through the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, can also raise the risk. This includes using a catheter (a thin tube) or a scope to look inside the bladder.

Getting the mumps vaccine is a key way to prevent mumps orchitis. If you haven't been vaccinated, you're at higher risk.

Certain sexual behaviors can also put you at risk of orchitis that's linked to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These behaviors include:

• Multiple sexual partners: Having sex with more than one person increases your chances of exposure to an STI.
• Partner with an STI: Having sex with someone who already has an STI significantly raises the risk.
• Unprotected sex: Not using condoms during sex increases your exposure to STIs.
• Previous STI: If you've had an STI in the past, you have a greater likelihood of getting orchitis from an STI in the future.

In short, maintaining good health practices, including getting vaccinations and practicing safe sex, are important steps to reduce the risk of orchitis.

Orchitis, an inflammation of the testicle, usually gets better on its own with supportive care. This means resting and managing the pain and swelling. Healing can take several weeks or even months. While most cases resolve without problems, there are some less common potential complications:

• Shrinking testicle (testicular atrophy): Over time, orchitis can cause the affected testicle to become smaller. This is not always the case, and the extent of shrinkage can vary.

• Pus-filled swelling (scrotal abscess): If the infection spreads, the tissue around the testicle can become filled with pus, forming a painful collection of pus called an abscess. This requires medical attention to drain the pus.

• Problems with fertility (infertility) or low testosterone (hypogonadism): In some cases, orchitis can lead to infertility, meaning a person may have difficulty conceiving a child. It can also cause the body to produce less testosterone, a hormone important for many bodily functions. However, these complications are less likely if only one testicle is affected. The impact on fertility or testosterone production is dependent on the severity and duration of the orchitis.

To keep your testicles healthy and avoid orchitis:

• Get the mumps vaccine: Mumps is the most common cause of orchitis, a swelling of the testicles. Getting vaccinated against mumps helps prevent this.

• Practice safe sex: Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause orchitis. Using condoms and getting tested regularly can greatly reduce your risk.

• See a doctor if you have trouble peeing: If you have problems urinating, it could mean there's a blockage or other health issue that could lead to orchitis. Talking to your doctor about these issues is important for early diagnosis and treatment.

Your doctor will first ask about your health history and do a physical exam. This exam typically includes checking for swollen glands (lymph nodes) in your groin area and whether one testicle is larger than the other. They may also do a rectal exam to check for any problems with your prostate.

To figure out what's going on, your doctor might order some tests:

• Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening: If you have a discharge from your penis, your doctor will use a small, sterile swab to collect a sample. This sample is sent to a lab to test for infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Sometimes, a urine sample can be used for STI screening instead.

• Urine Test: A sample of your urine is sent to a lab to look for signs of a bacterial infection. This can help rule out some causes of pain.

• Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to create pictures of your body. An ultrasound is often used to find the reason for your testicular pain. A special type of ultrasound called "color Doppler" can show how much blood is flowing to your testicles. Lower-than-normal blood flow might suggest a condition called testicular torsion. Higher-than-normal blood flow might suggest a condition called orchitis. The ultrasound helps your doctor determine which condition might be causing your pain.