Are your testicles swollen and painful? Could it be due to orchitis?

Has one or both of your testicles suddenly become swollen and painful? This can be a very scary and uncomfortable experience. Many men are too embarrassed or afraid to talk about this with anyone, let alone a doctor. But this is not your fault, it is a medical condition. Today we are going to talk about a condition called orchitis that can be very embarrassing for many people.

Simply put, what is Orchitis?

Orchitis is a swelling, or in medical terms, inflammation, of one or both of your testicles. As you know, the testicles are a very important part of the male reproductive system. They are where sperm is produced and the male hormone testosterone is produced. So, when an infection causes swelling in one of these important organs, orchitis is called an infection.

What is the difference between Orchitis and Epididymitis?

You may have also heard of epididymitis. The two can be a bit confusing.

• Epididymitis: This is an inflammation of the epididymis, a tube located behind the testicles that stores and transports sperm.
• Orchitis: This is an inflammation of the testicle itself.

But often, both conditions can occur together. That is, the infection can spread from the tube to the testicle itself. Doctors call this condition epididymo-orchitis.

Oocystitis is rare and occurs on its own. It most often occurs with a viral infection like mumps.

What are the main symptoms of orchitis?

There are several symptoms you may experience in this situation. Let's look at these one by one.

Why does Orchitis occur? What are the main causes?

Oocystitis is primarily caused by a viral or bacterial infection , which can enter the body in various ways.

The most common reasons are:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): A bacterial infection in the urinary tract can spread to the testicles.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Diseases such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis, which are caused by unprotected sex, are highly likely to cause orchitis.

Can you develop orchitis without a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

Yes, it definitely is possible. There are other causes of orchitis that can occur without an STI.

Viral infections:

• Mumps - This is the main viral cause.
• Chickenpox
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Rubella

Bacterial infections:

• E. coli (Escherichia coli - E. coli)
• Staphylococcus (Staphylococcus - staph)
• Streptococcus (Streptococcus - strep)
• Prostate infection (Prostatitis)

Who is at higher risk of developing orchitis?

Although men of any age can develop orchitis, certain factors increase the risk.

• Having unprotected sex with many people: This increases the risk of STI infections.
• Over 45 years of age: As you age, conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause urinary tract obstruction.
• Long-term use of a Foley catheter.
• Having autoimmune diseases that weaken the immune system.
• Having previously developed epididymitis.

What are the complications that can arise from this?

If orchitis is not treated promptly and properly, some complications can occur.

• Scrotal abscess: Pus can collect inside the scrotum and form a lump.
• Testicular atrophy: The infected testicle may shrink and lose function.
• Hydrocele: This can be a buildup of fluid in the scrotum.
• Infertility: This is very rare, but if both testicles are affected, it can have some effect on fertility.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, the first thing he or she will do is listen carefully to your symptoms and perform a physical examination, checking for swelling, pain, and other changes in your testicles.

In addition, the following tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis:

• Blood and urine tests: These can detect whether there is an infection in the body, whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus, and whether there is an STI.
• Pelvic ultrasound: This is a painless scan. It looks at how the blood is flowing to the testicles. This is very important because it can help distinguish orchitis from a similar condition called testicular torsion, which can cause similar symptoms. Testicular torsion is a condition in which the testicle twists, cutting off blood flow to the testicle, and can cause the testicle to die within hours, requiring emergency surgery. Therefore, if you have testicular pain, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

What are the treatments for orchitis?

Treatment depends on the cause of the orchitis.

Can orchitis be prevented?

Although it cannot be completely prevented, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk.

• Getting the MMR vaccine: Getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent orchitis caused by mumps.
• Safe sex: Always use a condom during sex.
• Regular STI testing: If you are sexually active and have multiple partners, it is very important to get regular STI testing.

It's normal to feel embarrassed, scared, or angry about this situation. We understand how difficult it can be to talk about a sensitive issue. But remember, doctors see and treat these things every day. They treat you with the support, respect, and comfort you need. So don't be afraid or embarrassed to seek medical advice.

Orchitis, Testicular Swelling, Testicular Pain, Male Sexual Health, STI, Epididymitis