Health Encyclopedia

Orchitis

Definition

Orchitis is swelling (inflammation) of one or both of the testicles.

Alternative Names

Epididymo-orchitis; Testis infection

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Orchitis may be caused by an infection from many different types of bacteria and viruses. It is usually a result of epididymitis, inflammation of the tube that connects the vas deferens and the testicle.

The most common virus that causes orchitis is mumps. It most often occurs in boys after puberty, and is rare before the age of 10. Orchitis usually develops 4 - 6 days after the mumps. Some boys who get orchitis caused by mumps will have shrinking of the testicles (testicular atrophy).

Orchitis can develop in men with the rare disease brucellosis.

Orchitis may also occur along with infections of the prostate or epididymis. It may be caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STD) such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. The rate of sexually transmitted orchitis or epididymitis is higher in men ages 19 - 35.

Risk factors for orchitis not due to an STD include:

Being older than age 45
Long-term use of a Foley catheter
Not being vaccinated against the mumps
Problems of the urinary tract that occurred at birth (congenital)
Regular urinary tract infections
Surgery of the urinary tract (genitourinary surgery)

Risk factors for sexually-transmitted orchitis include:

High-risk sexual behaviors
Multiple sexual partners
Personal history of gonorrhea or other STD
Sexual partner with a diagnosed STD

Symptoms

Blood in the semen
Discharge from penis
Fever
Groin pain
Pain with intercourse or ejaculation
Pain with urination (dysuria)
Scrotal swelling
Tender, swollen groin area on affected side
Tender, swollen, heavy feeling in the testicle
Testicle pain that is made worse by a bowel movement or straining

Signs and tests

A physical examination may show:

Enlarged or tender prostate gland
Tender and enlarged lymph nodes in the groin (inguinal) area on the affected side
Tender and enlarged testicle on the affected side

Tests may include:

Complete blood count (CBC)
Testicular ultrasound
Tests to screen for chlamydia and gonorrhea (urethral smear)
Urinalysis
Urine culture (clean catch) -- may need several samples, including initial stream, mid-stream, and after prostate massage

Treatment

Treatments may include:

Antibiotics -- if the infection is caused by bacteria (in the case of gonorrhea or chlamydia, sexual partners must also be treated)
Anti-inflammatory medications
Pain medications
Bed rest with the scrotum elevated and ice packs applied to the area

Expectations (prognosis)

Getting the right diagnosis and treatment for orchitis caused by bacteria can usually preserve the normal testicle function.

Mumps orchitis cannot be treated and the outcome can vary. Men who have had mumps orchitis have become sterile.

Complications

Orchitis may cause infertility and shrinking (atrophy) of one or both testicles.

Other potential complications include:

Chronic epididymitis
Fistula on the skin of the scrotum (cutaneous scrotal fistula)
Scrotal abscess
Death of testicle tissue (testicular infarction)

Acute pain in the scrotum or testicles can be a surgical emergency. If you have sudden pain in the scrotum or testicles, get immediate medical attention.

Calling your health care provider

Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience sudden pain in the testicle.

Prevention

Getting vaccinated against mumps will prevent mumps-associated orchitis. Safer sex behaviors, such as having only one partner at a time (monogamy) and condom use, will decrease the chance of developing orchitis as a result of a sexually transmitted disease.

References

Nickel JC. Inflammatory Conditions of the Male Genitourinary Tract: Prostatitis and Related Conditions, Orchitis, and Epididymitis. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 9.

Mason WH. Mumps. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 245.

Review Date:9/7/2008
Reviewed By:Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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