A health condition in which people experience swelling and pain in one or both testicles is called orchitis. The most common causes of this disorder are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and the mumps. While usually it is treated with antibiotics, sometimes people may get rid of symptoms with home remedies. Moreover, this condition can be prevented by getting vaccines and protection during sexual activity (such as condoms or dental dams).
This condition often occurs along with other disorders (such as epididymitis). However, if you develop it alone, it is usually caused by a mumps infection.
What is The Difference between Orchitis and epididymitis?
A health condition that causes inflammation and swelling in the epididymis (the tube located at the back of the testicles that carries and stores sperm) is called epididymitis. In most cases, people with epididymitis also develop orchitis.
Symptoms
While the primary symptoms of this condition are testicle pain, tenderness, and swelling, it may also cause other symptoms. Usually, this condition affects only one testicle, but in some cases, the symptoms can spread to the other testicle or the scrotum. The scrotum is a pouch of skin located behind the penile that holds the testicles. Check below for other orchitis symptoms:
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Muscle pain
- Infection symptoms (such as fever, chills, and headache)
- Discoloration in the scrotum
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Dysorgasmia or orgasmalgia (painful ejaculation)
- Hematospermia (blood in the semen)
- Discharge from the penile
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
It is advised to contact your doctor right away if any of the previous symptoms occur.
Causes
The most common causes of this condition include viral or bacterial infections that occur due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, or urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, some people may develop orchitis without STIs or UTIs. Check below some disorders that may also cause orchitis:
- Chickenpox
- HFMD (hand, foot, and mouth disease)
- Rubella
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection
- Staphylococcus (staph) or streptococcus (strep) infections
- Prostatitis (prostate gland infections)
- Epididymitis
Risk Factors
While orchitis may occur in anyone who has testicles, there are some factors that may increase their risk of developing it. Examples include:
- Unprotected sexual intercourse (especially with different partners)
- Autoimmune disorders (especially conditions that negatively affect sperm cells)
- Bladder outlet obstruction (including urethral stricture or benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- Foley catheter
- Previous epididymitis
- Mumps
- Genitourinary surgery
- Structural abnormalities
- Age – Men over 45 years old are at increased risk of developing orchitis
What Happens if Orchitis is Left Untreated?
People with orchitis may also experience some complications, especially without treatment. Check below some examples:
- Scrotal abscess – While it occurs less commonly, some people may notice that their scrotum fills with pus. This is a thick and yellow-white substances that contain white blood cells, dead tissue, and pathogens (bacteria or viruses).
- Testicular atrophy – Sometimes, the affected testicle may shrink and lose its function.
- Hydrocele – This is a condition in which fluid builds up in the scrotum.
- Infertility (in rare cases)
- Chronic pain
- Testicular infarction (death of the testicular tissue)
- Chronic epididymitis – If the disorder spreads to the epididymis, it may lead to long-term (chronic) inflammation.
The previous list does not contain all possible orchitis complications. In any case, you can consult with your doctor about ways to reduce the risk or even prevent them.
How to Prevent Orchitis?
It is not always possible to prevent orchitis. However, doctors may recommend vaccines for measles, mumps, or rubella to reduce the risk of developing orchitis. They may also recommend using condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent STIs. You should also get tested for STIs every 3-6 months if you have different partners.
Diagnosis
First, physicians perform a physical examination to check for irregularities linked to the disease. Thereafter, they may also ask some questions about the symptoms and medical history to get more clues about your condition. However, to confirm or rule out this condition, doctors often perform the following tests. These include:
- Blood and urine tests (urinalysis) – These tests are often done to check for bacterial and viral infections (including STIs).
- Pelvic ultrasound – This is an imaging test used to measure blood flow to the testicles. Usually, it helps exclude other conditions that cause similar symptoms. For instance, if you have testicular torsion, the blood flow to the testicles may be blocked. This condition often causes sudden and severe testicular pain.
Treatment
Typically, treatments vary among individuals with orchitis, as they depend on several factors. For example, the severity and exact cause of the condition, existing health problems, age, and preferences. Check below some common treatments used to treat orchitis:
- Antibiotics – This group of medicines is used to treat bacterial infections. For instance, if you develop orchitis due to an STI, you may get a prescription for antibiotics. Moreover, your partner should also take these medicines.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – These medicines are used to reduce inflammation and ease pain caused by this condition. However, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor before using them.
- Ice – You can also use ice or cold packs to reduce pain and swelling. It is important to apply ice properly and not put it directly on the scrotum. Never apply ice for more than 15 minutes at a time.
- Rest – If you develop orchitis, you should lie down as much as possible. You can also put pillows underneath the hips and buttocks to raise the scrotum.
In addition, doctors may also prescribe different treatments depending on the type of STI that causes orchitis. For example:
- Chlamydia – Doxycycline or Azithromycin
- Gonorrhea – Ceftriaxone, Gentamicin, or Azithromycin
- Syphilis – Penicillin
- coli – Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, Ciprofloxacin, or Rifaximin
- Staph – Cefazolin, Nefcillin, or Vancomycin
- Strep – Amoxicillin, Benzathine, or Penicillin
- Prostatitis – Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, or Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
It is very important to administer antibiotics exactly as recommended by your doctor, even if you do not have symptoms. Otherwise, the condition may return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for orchitis to clear up?
Usually, the symptoms disappear within a few days after starting the treatment. In some cases, the swelling may go away completely within several weeks.
What can I expect if I have orchitis?
In general, with proper diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for orchitis is good. Serious complications (such as infertility or chronic pain) rarely occur.
When should I see a healthcare provider?
If you experience testicle pain, it is recommended to visit a doctor. You should also contact your healthcare professional if the pain does not go away after finishing the treatment. If you have additional questions, ask your physician.
