Orchitis
Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testicles, commonly linked to infections of the epididymis or prostate. This condition can arise from various causes, including bacterial or viral infections, often stemming from illnesses like mumps, scarlet fever, or typhoid fever. In chronic cases, sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, as well as tuberculosis and parasitic infections, may be the underlying factors. Symptoms typically include tenderness and swelling of the affected testis, nausea, fever, fatigue, and pain during urination or intercourse.
Treatment approaches depend on the underlying cause; bacterial orchitis may be addressed with antibiotics, while viral cases often require rest and pain management. Although most cases resolve without long-term issues, there is a risk of complications such as testicular shrinkage and, in rare cases, sterility. Preventive measures, particularly immunization against mumps, can significantly reduce the risk of orchitis. For those experiencing acute pain in the groin or testicles, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.
Orchitis
ALSO KNOWN AS: Epididymo-orchitis
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Genitals, reproductive system
DEFINITION: An inflammation of one or both testicles
CAUSES: Bacterial or viral infection of epididymis or prostate from mumps, scarlet fever, or typhoid fever; chronic cases may result from STDs (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia), tuberculosis, or parasitic infections
SYMPTOMS: Tenderness and swelling of affected testis; nausea; fever; fatigue; groin pain; pain during urination, intercourse, or ejaculation; penile discharge; blood in semen
DURATION: Acute, with possible sterility
TREATMENTS: Depends on cause; may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, bed rest, elevation and support of testes, pain medications, ice packs
Causes and Symptoms
Orchitis is usually a consequence of epididymitis, an of the tube that connects the and the testicles. It can also result from prostate infections. The source of inflammation can be either bacterial or viral organisms. The disease is typically caused by a generalized infection, such as mumps, scarlet fever, or typhoid fever. Chronic cases of orchitis can be produced by syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, tuberculosis, and parasitic infections. In most cases of orchitis, only one testis is infected.
The most frequent cause of orchitis is the mumps, a viral infection. About one-third of males with the develop orchitis at some stage of the illness, usually within four to six days after it begins. In prepubertal boys, about 20 percent develop mumps-induced orchitis. It is much rarer for males who are past puberty.
Symptoms of orchitis include nausea, fever, fatigue, and tenderness and significant swelling of the affected testis. Other effects may include groin pain, pain during urination, discharge from the penis, pain associated with intercourse and ejaculation, and blood in the semen.
Treatment and Therapy
If orchitis is produced by a bacterial infection, then antibiotics are the most effective treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also commonly prescribed. If the source of infection is viral, then orchitis can be treated only with proper bed rest, elevation and support of the testes, and pain-relieving drugs. The application of ice packs periodically to the infected area helps reduce the pain. If acute pain occurs in the or testicles, then immediate medical attention is necessary.
When orchitis is properly treated and the cause is bacterial, normal function of the testis is typically preserved. If mumps is the source of orchitis, then shrinking of the testicles often occurs. Sterility may also occur, though it is very rare in cases of unilateral (one-sided) orchitis. Immunization against mumps is the best preventive treatment to avoid the possible complications of orchitis, although there have been a few cases of mumps-induced orchitis developing subsequent to a mumps-measles-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Spread of associated with Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can cause epididymo-orchitis in sexually active men can be minimized through monogamy and the use of condoms.
Perspective and Prospects
The first recorded description of orchitis goes back to Hippocrates in the fifth century BCE. Physical examination often reveals a tender, enlarged testicle on the affected side. Tender, enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area may also indicate the presence of orchitis.
Doppler ultrasound of the groin area can be used to confirm a diagnosis of orchitis by showing increased blood flow to the affected region, as well as tissue textures that are associated with infection. This test can also reveal any presence of scrotal abscesses. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging may also be used to help diagnose the presence of orchitis.
Bibliography
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