Orchitis
by
Michael Jubinville, MPH DefinitionOrchitis is inflammation of the testicles that may occur in one or both testicles. It can cause pain and may affect fertility.
CausesOrchitis is often caused by an infection from:
In some cases, the cause may be unknown. Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chances of orchitis include:
Behaviors that increase the risk of STIs also increase the risk of orchitis. High-risk behaviors include:
SymptomsOrchitis causes testicular pain with swelling. Other symptoms include:
Viruses and bacteria may also cause body-wide symptoms such as fatigue, fever, nausea, and headache. DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. A diagnosis may be made based on an exam of the testicles, scrotum, and groin area. Testing is done to confirm the cause and to rule out testicular emergencies, especially testicular torsion. Signs of infections and the exact virus or bacteria involved can be determined with:
An ultrasound may be done to check the testicles and nearby structures for damage. TreatmentTreatment depends on the cause of orchitis. Medications A viral infection will gradually pass on its own. Comfort measures, such as over-the-counter medications to reduce pain and fever, may be advised. Antibiotics will be prescribed if a bacterial infection is present. Surgery If other treatments do not work or there is risk of damage, surgery may be needed. The goal of surgery is to reduce pain and prevent further damage. Procedures include:
PreventionTo help reduce your chance of orchitis:
RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov Urology Care Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Urological Association http://www.cua.org Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca References:
Acute epididymitis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114552/Acute-epididymitis
. Updated October 6, 2017. Accessed March 16, 2018.
Epididymitis and orchitis. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed March 16, 2018. Orchitis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated November 2017. Accessed March 16, 2018. Trojian TH, Lishnak TS, et al. Epididymitis and orchitis: an overview. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79(7):583-587. Last reviewed March 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
James P. Cornell, MD Last Last updated: 6/17/2016 |
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