Definition

Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testis,
accompanied by swelling, pain, fever, and a sensation of
heaviness in the affected area.

Description

Viral mumps is the most common cause of orchitis.
Bacterial infections associated with the disorder are
tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. A
mechanical injury to the groin area may also cause orchitis.
Fifteen to twenty-five percent of males past the age of
puberty with mumps develop orchitis. Epididymo-orchitis
(inflammation of both testis and part of the spermatic
duct) is the most common bacterial type of Orchitis. This
form of the condition occurs most often in sexually
active males fifteen years and older, and in men over 45
with enlarged prostates.

Causes and symptoms

The people most susceptible to orchitis are those
with inadequate mumps inoculation and, in the case of
sexually transmitted orchitis, those who practice unsafe
sex or have a history of sexually transmitted disease.
Inadequate protection of the groin area during contact
sports or other potentially harmful physical activities may
result in injury leading to orchitis. Symptoms of orchitis
include swelling of one or both testicles, tenderness in the
groin area, fever, headache, and nausea. Symptoms may
also include bloody discharge from the penis, and pain
during urination, intercourse, or ejaculation.

Diagnosis

In most cases, Orchitis can be diagnosed by an urologist,
general practitioner, or emergency room physician.
Diagnosis is usually based on the results of a physical
examination and patient history. Other testing may include
a urinalysis and urine culture, screening for chlamydia
and gonorrhea, ultrasound imaging, or blood tests.

Treatment

Elevation and support of the scrotum, and the application
of cold packs to the groin area give some relief from
the pain of orchitis. Medication for pain such as codeine
and meperidine may be given. Only the symptoms of viral
mumps orchitis are treated. Antibiotics are used to alleviate
orchitis that is bacterial in origin. Sexually transmitted
orchitis (especially when resultant from chlamydia or gonorrhea)
is often treated with the antibiotic Ceftriaxone in
conjunction with azithromycin or doxycycline.

Alternative treatment

For relief from swelling, the drinking of dandelion tea
is recommended in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Another traditional Chinese treatment for swelling is the
application of a poultice of ground dandelion and aloe to
the affected area. Homeopathic remedies to reduce
swelling include apis mel, belladonna, and pulsatilla. Consult
a homeopathic physician before taking or administering
these remedies to ensure safe and correct dosage.

Prognosis

Orchitis is usually unilateral and lasts between one
and two weeks. Atrophy of the scrotum occurs in 60% of
orchitis cases. However, hormonal function is not affected
and resulting sterility is rare from mumps.

Prevention

Keeping mumps inoculations current and diligently
practicing safe sex are the best ways to prevent orchitis
from occurring. For males involved in contact sports or
other potentially harmful physical activities, the wearing
of a protective cup over the genitals will help guard
against mechanical injuries that could lead to orchitis.