What Is Orchitis?

Orchitis also known as Orchiditis is a condition occurring only in males, in which the testicles are swollen and infected. The testicles are an important component of the male reproductive system and help in producing sperms and the male sex hormone – testosterone.

Orchitis can be a very painful condition in which the patient feels very irritated due to constant pain. Also, a man cannot indulge in masturbation or intercourse as it can be dangerous and may also cause infertility. Let us know more Orchitis by knowing its causes, symptoms and preventive measures.

The causes of Orchitis include testicular infection which can be caused by different types of bacteria and viruses. The most common virus causing Orchitis is mumps which shrinks the testicles. This condition happens more commonly in boys after their puberty, i.e. after the age of 12 years.

Once a boy is infected by mumps, it takes around a week for Orchitis to show its symptoms. This painful condition can also be caused due to some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Surgery of urinary tract, infections of urinary tract, having intercourse with multiple partners, practicing unsafe sex can also be some possibilities leading to Orchitis.

The symptoms include severe pain and visible inflation of one or both testicles. Sometimes blood may pass through the urine or semen of the patient. Occurrence of fever, nausea and groin pain are also common. A patient of Orchitis may complain of sudden pain in his scrotum or testicles and may feel very restless, sweat profusely and breathe heavily. The best solution in such a case is to get immediate medical consultation.

The treatment for Orchitis may vary as per the doctor’s diagnosis of an individual’s condition, but there are a few treatments that are commonly used to help a man suffering from Orchitis. Providing antibiotics via tablets or injections, bed rest and avoiding intercourse are always recommended by doctors.

The scrotum of the patient might be elevated to apply cold packs to reduce the swelling. Effective preventive measures include practicing safe sex by using condom and avoiding multiple partners. Preventing infections from mumps virus by getting vaccinated against mumps can also prove beneficial.