Orchitis is inflammation of the testicles due to infection bacteria and viruses. This inflammation can occur in one or both testicles at once.
Orchitis in children is most often caused by the spread of a viral infection in mumps or parotitis. In addition, orchitis can also be caused by the development of the disease epididymitis, which is inflammation of the sperm ducts located behind the testicles.
If left unchecked, orchitis can cause permanent damage to the testicles to infertility. However, these complications can be prevented by following the treatment given by the doctor.
Causes of Orchitis
Orchitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The following is the division of the types of orchitis based on the cause:
Bacterial orchitis
Some types of bacteria that often cause orchitis, namely:
- Escherichia coli
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus
These three types of bacteria are also bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, epididymitis, and sexually transmitted diseases.
viral orchitis
Viral orchitis is most often caused by a virus that causes mumps called paramyxoviruses. Viral orchitis is most common in boys 10 years of age and under. Viral orchitis usually appears 4–6 days after contracting the mumps.
Apart from being caused by bacterial and viral infections, orchitis can also appear without a definite cause. However, this case is rare.
Orchitis risk factors
Some factors that can increase a person's risk of developing orchitis are:
- Over 45 years old
- Not getting the MMR vaccine
- Suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections
- Suffering from benign prostate enlargement
- Born with an abnormal urinary tract
- Using a catheter in the urinary tract for a long time
- Have you ever had surgery on your genitals or urinary tract?
- Have or are currently suffering from a sexually transmitted infection
The risk of orchitis can also increase if you frequently have risky sex, such as having multiple partners, not using a condom during sex, or having sex with someone with a sexually transmitted disease.
Symptoms of Orchitis
Symptoms of orchitis usually appear suddenly. These symptoms include:
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Body tired easily
- Swelling of one or both testicles
- Testicles feel heavy
- Pain in the groin area
- Pain in the testicles
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
- Pain when urinating, having sex and ejaculating
- There is blood in the sperm
When to go to the doctor
You are advised to consult a doctor if the above symptoms appear. Orchitis can develop into a more serious condition if not treated quickly. Immediately to the ER if the testicles swell and feel pain occurs suddenly.
Diagnosis of Orchitis
First of all, the doctor will ask the patient's complaints and medical history. Then, the doctor will perform a physical exam to look for swelling of the testicles or enlarged lymph nodes in the groin.
The doctor will also carry out supporting examinations, such as:
- Urine test, to detect the presence of infection-causing bacteria
- Blood test, to find out if the patient is infected with HIV/AIDS or syphilis
- Testicular ultrasound, to see if there are abnormalities in the blood flow in the testicles
- Examination of penile fluid samples, to detect the type of bacteria that infects the testes. This examination is also carried out to ensure the patient has a sexually transmitted disease.
Orchitis Treatment
Orchitis treatment aims to relieve symptoms, treat the infection, and prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body. The method of treating orchitis depends on the cause. Here's the explanation:
Treatment for bacterial orchitis
Oral antibiotics are given to be consumed for 10 days. The type of antibiotic will be adjusted to the bacteria that causes orchitis. If the complaints and symptoms of orchitis are severe enough, an injectable form of antibiotics will be given by a doctor.
If orchitis is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, the patient's partner should also be examined and treated.
Treatment for viral orchitis
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, will be given to reduce the inflammation and pain that occurs in orchitis. This type of drug is generally given to viral orchitis.
To help relieve symptoms, patients are advised to take the following steps:
- Take paracetamol to relieve fever and pain
- Compress the testicles with an ice pack 15-20 minutes a day
- Use special pants that can support the testicles
- Do not have sex until the orchitis is cured
- Avoid lifting heavy objects for a while
- Get enough rest
Orchitis Complications
If not treated immediately, orchitis can lead to serious complications, including:
- Decreased testosterone production (hypogonadism)
- Inflammation of the sperm storage area (epididymitis)
- Formation of blisters or collections of pus (abscess) in the testicles
- Decreased testicular size (testicular atrophy)
- Permanent damage and death of testicular tissue
- Testicular torsion
- infertility
Orchitis Prevention
There are several things you can do to prevent the infection that causes orchitis, namely:
- Make sure you get the MMR vaccine to prevent mumps.
- Always use a condom during sex if you are not sure that your partner is clean of sexually transmitted diseases.
- Do not have casual sex or have multiple sex partners.