Make an Appointment
Talk to DoctorOverview
A swelling or inflammation of one or both testicles is known as orchitis. Orchitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, or it can have no apparent cause. The most common cause of orchitis is a bacterial infection, such as those contracted during sexually transmitted infection (STI). The mumps virus can occasionally result in orchitis.
The inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube that stores and transports sperm at the back of the testicle, may be caused by bacterial orchitis, this condition is known as epididymo-orchitis.
Orchitis may interfere with fertility and cause pain. Medication can address the underlying causes of bacterial orchitis and help alleviate certain signs and symptoms of viral orchitis. However, the recovery of scrotal pain may require a several weeks.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of orchitis might include the following:
- Swelling of one or both testicles
- Mild to severe testicle pain.
- Fatigue or malaise.
- Fever and chills.
- Nausea and vomiting.
There are instances when “groin pain” and “testicle pain” are used together. However, groin pain doesn’t originate in the testicle; rather, it comes from the fold of skin between the thigh and abdomen. It is not the same as testicular pain for which there are different causes.
Testicle pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, some of which need to be treated immediately. Testicular torsion is one such condition that can cause pain similar to orchitis. It includes twisting of the spermatic cord. Tests might be conducted by your healthcare provider to identify the condition causing your pain.
See a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you experience any scrotal pain or swelling, especially if it occurs instantly.
Causes
Infections with bacteria or viruses can cause orchitis. Orchitis commonly arises from urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis. Epididymitis can also be a cause of orchitis.
- Bacterial orchitis: The majority of the time, epididymitis causes or is associated with bacterial orchitis. Typically, an infection of the bladder or urethra that travels to the epididymis causes epididymitis.
A STI is typically the cause of the infection. A catheter or other medical equipment placed into your penis, or the fact that you were born with abnormalities in your urinary tract, are other possible causes of infection. - Viral orchitis: Viral orchitis is typically caused by the mumps virus. About one-third of boys who get the mumps after puberty develop orchitis, typically occurring four to seven days following the onset of mumps.
Risk factors
Sexually transmitted orchitis is a risk associated with sexual behaviors that might result in STIs. Those actions consist of:
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Having sexual intercourse with someone who has an STI
- Having sexual intercourse without using procection such as condom
- Having a personal history of an STI
The following are risk factors for non-sexually transmitted orchitis:
- Having a urinary tract abnormality from birth.
- Not having received the mumps vaccination.
- Experiencing frequent urinary tract infections.
- Getting surgery on the urinary tract or genitalia.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider (doctor) will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to check for swollen testicles and enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area. A rectal examination may also be performed to check for an enlarged or painful prostate.
Your doctor may recommend the following tests:
- Ultrasound: This is the most commonly used imaging test to evaluate testicular pain. A color Doppler ultrasound can be used to assess blood flow to the testicles. Increased blood flow may indicate orchitis, while reduced blood flow may suggest testicular torsion.
- Urinalysis: Examining a urine sample can help identify abnormalities and determine whether a viral or bacterial infection is present. Urinalysis may also be used for testing for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- STI Screening: If you have discharge, a swab may be inserted into the opening of the urethra to collect a sample. The sample will then be examined in a laboratory to determine whether gonorrhea or chlamydia infections are present.
Treatment
Symptoms of orchitis may begin to improve within a few days even without treatment. However, complete resolution of the inflammation may take several weeks or even months.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition.
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Treatment of Bacterial Orchitis: Both bacterial orchitis and epididymo-orchitis require treatment with antibiotics. If the infection is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), your sexual partner will also need to receive treatment.
Oral antibiotics may need to be taken for 10 to 14 days. Even if your symptoms improve early, you should complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor to ensure that the infection is completely treated.
Testicular pain may persist for several weeks. To help relieve pain, you can rest, wear an athletic strap, apply cold packs, and take pain relievers.
- Treatment of Viral Orchitis: The main goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Your doctor may recommend the following:
- Taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
- Bed rest and elevating the scrotum.
- Applying cold compresses.
Most people with viral orchitis begin to feel better within 3 to 10 days. However, complete resolution of scrotal pain and discomfort may take several weeks.
