Orchitis

Orchitis is a painful inflammation of one or both testicles, often associated with infection or trauma. While it can affect males of any age, it’s most commonly seen in sexually active men or those with urinary tract infections. Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment of orchitis is crucial for prompt medical attention and preventing long-term complications such as infertility.

What is Orchitis?

Orchitis refers to inflammation of the testicles. It may occur due to bacterial or viral infections and sometimes arises as a complication of epididymitis—a condition called epididymo-orchitis.

Orchitis can be unilateral (affecting one testicle) or bilateral (affecting both). The inflammation leads to swelling, pain, and discomfort, which can interfere with daily activities and sexual health.

Types of Orchitis

1. Viral 

• Commonly caused by the mumps virus, especially in post-pubertal males.

• Symptoms typically appear 4–8 days after the onset of mumps.

• Up to 30% of men with mumps develop orchitis.

2. Bacterial 

• Often linked to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea or chlamydia.

• Can also occur from a urinary tract infection or prostatitis, especially in older men.

3. Chronic 

• A long-term form that may persist for months.

• Often associated with autoimmune conditions or poorly treated infections.

Causes of Orchitis

It may be caused by:

• Mumps virus (most common viral cause)

• STIs: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Prostate infections

• Catheter use or urinary tract surgery

• Trauma to the groin area

• Autoimmune disorders

• Tuberculosis (rarely, in chronic cases)

Symptoms of Orchitis

Symptoms include:

1. Pain in the Testicle
   – Sharp or dull ache in one or both testicles.
   – Pain may radiate to the groin or lower abdomen.

2. Haematospermia
   – Blood in semen, indicating inflammation or vascular damage.

3. Fever
   – Often accompanies infection, signaling the body’s immune response.

4. Nausea
   – May occur due to pain or fever.

5. Painful Sexual Intercourse
   – Discomfort or pain during or after ejaculation.

6. Decreased Libido
   – Lowered sexual drive due to hormonal imbalance, discomfort, or infection.

Other Common Symptoms:

• Swelling and redness of the scrotum

• Tenderness in the groin

• Painful urination or ejaculation

• Discharge from the penis (if associated with STI)

Who is at Risk?

Risk factors for orchitis include:

• Males aged 15–35

• Unprotected sexual activity

• History of STIs

• Recurrent urinary tract infections

• Congenital urinary tract abnormalities

• Use of urinary catheters

• Not vaccinated for mumps

Complications of Orchitis

If left untreated, it can lead to:

• Testicular atrophy (shrinking of the testicles)

• Infertility, especially in bilateral cases

• Abscess formation

• Chronic pain

• Scrotal fibrosis (scarring)

• Hydrocele (fluid buildup around the testicle)

How is it diagnosed?

A thorough clinical examination and diagnostic tests are essential to confirm orchitis and rule out other conditions like testicular torsion or tumors.

1. Physical Examination

• Palpation of the scrotum to assess tenderness, swelling, and skin changes.

2. Urinalysis and Urine Culture

• Detects bacterial infection, especially in UTI-related orchitis.

3. STI Testing

• Blood or swab tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STIs.

4. Ultrasound with Doppler

• Gold standard for assessing testicular blood flow.

• Helps distinguish orchitis from testicular torsion.

5. Blood Tests

• Elevated white blood cells and inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP, ESR).

• Mumps IgM/IgG testing if viral cause is suspected.

Treatment for Orchitis

Treatment depends on the underlying cause—bacterial or viral—and the severity of symptoms.

1. Bacterial Orchitis Treatment

• Antibiotics: Typically fluoroquinolones or cephalosporins.

• STI-related cases: Often treated with doxycycline and ceftriaxone.

• Partner treatment: Essential in STI cases to prevent reinfection.

2. Viral Orchitis Treatment

• No antibiotics (viruses don’t respond to them).

• Supportive care:

  • Rest

  • Scrotal elevation

  • Ice packs

  • Analgesics (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen)

3. Chronic Orchitis Management

• May require anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, or urological intervention.

Home Remedies & Self-Care Tips

• Wear supportive underwear to reduce discomfort.

• Apply cold compresses in intervals to reduce swelling.

• Avoid sexual activity until fully recovered.

• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.

• Avoid heavy lifting or straining.

⚠️ Note: Home remedies are not substitutes for medical treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider.

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden, severe scrotal pain

• High fever with testicular swelling

• Nausea or vomiting along with testicular discomfort

• Blood in urine or semen

• Symptoms lasting more than a few days

Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage and complications.

Prevention 

While not all cases are preventable, you can significantly reduce your risk with the following measures:

✅ Get Vaccinated

• The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) protects against mumps-induced orchitis.

✅ Practice Safe Sex

• Use condoms.

• Get regular STI screenings.

✅ Maintain Hygiene

• Personal hygiene reduces the risk of UTIs and bacterial spread.

✅ Avoid Trauma

• Use protective gear during sports or high-risk activities.

✅ Manage Underlying Conditions

• Control diabetes and treat urinary problems promptly.

Orchitis vs. Other Testicular Conditions

Recovery and Prognosis

Most cases resolve within 7 to 10 days with proper treatment. Recovery time may be longer in viral or chronic cases. With timely care, complications such as infertility and testicular atrophy can often be avoided.

FAQs about Orchitis

❓ Is it contagious?

The condition itself isn’t, but the underlying infections (like mumps or STIs) may be.

❓ Can it go away on its own?

Mild viral cases might resolve, but bacterial orchitis requires antibiotics. Never ignore symptoms.

❓ Can it affect fertility?

Yes—especially if both testicles are affected. Prompt treatment minimizes the risk.

❓ Is it a sexually transmitted disease?

Orchitis is not an STD, but it can result from STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea.

❓ How do I know if it’s orchitis or testicular torsion?

Both cause testicular pain, but torsion is a surgical emergency. Immediate ultrasound is critical for diagnosis.

Orchitis is a serious condition that requires attention, particularly when caused by infection. While it can be painful and alarming, early medical intervention ensures a full recovery with minimal long-term impact. Vaccination, safe sex practices, and proper hygiene can go a long way in preventing orchitis.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of orchitis, don’t delay—consult a healthcare provider or visit a diagnostic centre for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Need Help? Visit Sparsh Diagnostic Centre

Sparsh Diagnostic Centre offers comprehensive urological diagnostics including consultation with Urologists, scrotal ultrasound, STI testing, and urinalysis. Our expert team ensures quick and accurate results, helping you get the right treatment on time.

📞 Call Now: 9830117733 / 8335049501
📍 Visit: Sparsh Diagnostic Centre
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Disclaimer:

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.