A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

ORCHITIS

How does Orchitis occur ?

In many cases, it will turn out that you haves mumps infection. The virus which causes this spreads from the swollen saliva glands through the bloodstream to the testis. In some cases, infection due to bacteria spreads from somewhere else in the urinary system. Inflammation of the testicle can certainly occur when there is infection in the bladder. It may also occur following infection in the prostate gland which surrounds the tube (urethra) as it leaves the bladder to enter the penis. Inflammation of the testicle can also occur when there is a venereal disease, but this accounts for a relatively small proportion of cases. Often no particular infection can be identified anywhere else in the body.

Why does Orchitis occur ?

Mumps infection is caught as an infectious virus disease. Why only some boys or men develop involvement of the testes is not known. In men over 50 years of age who may also have prostate enlargement the infection may have spread from infected urine. In younger men urethral infection may be the cause. Often no predisposing cause is evident and no particular germ can be identified. When infection of the testicle occurs in boys, investigations are always undertaken to ensure that there is no urinary tract abnormality. Such abnormalities increase the likelihood of any infection occurring.

Treatment Involved for Orchitis

Unless the orchitis is obviously caused by mumps, a urine test is taken to look for infection. A long course of antibiotics and initially bed rest will be prescribed for you. Support for the scrotum (such as an athletic support) and regular painkillers are both helpful. The acute symptoms will take 3 to 4 days to subside. If improvement does not occur, the urologist may arrange for a scan to ensure that an abscess has not formed. Most cases can be managed at home, but if there is a high fever and urinary infection, hospital admission is indicated.

During Treatment for Orchitis

During treatment the discomfort and swelling will resolve over a period of days. However, in cases not due to mumps, residual swelling may persist for 2 months, and follow-up as an outpatient during this time is always advisable.

If Orchitis is Left Untreated

Most cases would settle by themselves but without antibiotics a proportion of cases would become chronic. Some patients require investigation to ensure that there is no underlying abnormality in some part of the urinary system.

Effects on Family of Orchitis

If the testicular inflammation has been caused by a venereal infection, this will be diagnosed and treated. In these cases, sexual intercourse should be avoided until the infection has cleared. In other cases, sexual intercourse may be painful and is best avoided until the pain and swelling have completely subsided.