Orchid

Orchitis, also known as orchitis, is an inflammation in the testicles that can be caused by local trauma, testicular torsion or infection, and is most often related to the mumps virus. Orchitis can affect only one or both testicles, and can be classified as acute or chronic according to the progression of symptoms:

• Acute orchitis, in which there is a feeling of heaviness in the testicles, in addition to pain; Chronic orchitis, which is usually asymptomatic, may be felt only slightly when the testicle is handled.

In addition to the inflammation of the testicles, there may also be inflammation of the epididymis, which is a small channel that leads sperm to ejaculation, characterized by orchid epididymitis. Understand what orchiepididymitis is, symptoms and how treatment is done.

Symptoms of orchitis

The main symptoms related to inflammation of the testicles are:

• Ejaculation with blood; Urine with blood; Pain and swelling in the testicles; Discomfort when handling the testicles; Feeling of heaviness in the region; Testicular sweating; Fever and malaise.

When orchitis is related to mumps, symptoms can appear 7 days after the swelling of the face. However, the faster the orchitis is identified, the greater the chances of a cure and the lower the chances of sequelae, such as infertility, for example. Therefore, as soon as symptoms of inflammation in the testicles are noticed, it is important to go to the urologist so that the necessary tests are performed. Know when to go to the urologist.

Main causes

Inflammation of the testicles can happen due to local trauma, testicular torsion, infection by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites or even by microorganisms transmitted sexually. Know other causes of swollen testicles.

The most common cause of orchitis is infection by the mumps virus, and should be treated as soon as possible, as one of the consequences of this disease is infertility. Understand why mumps can cause infertility in men.

Viral orchitis

Viral orchitis is a complication that can occur when boys over 10 years of age are infected with the mumps virus. Other viruses that can cause orchitis are: Coxsackie, Echo, Influenza and the mononucleosis virus.

In the case of viral orchitis, treatment is done with the aim of relieving symptoms, which can be done through the use of anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs, which should be recommended by the doctor. In addition, it is important to remain at rest, make ice packs on the spot and raise the scrotum. If the patient seeks treatment right at the onset of symptoms, the condition can be reversed within up to a week.

Bacterial orchitis

Bacterial orchitis is usually associated with inflammation of the epididymis and can be caused by bacteria such as Micobacterium sp. , Haemophilus sp. , Treponema pallidum . Treatment is done according to medical advice, and the use of antibiotics is recommended according to the bacterial species responsible for the disease.

How diagnosis and treatment are made

The diagnosis of orchitis can be made through clinical observation of the symptoms of the disease and is confirmed after tests such as blood tests and scrotal ultrasound, for example. In addition, tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia can be useful to check whether they may be the cause of the disease, in addition to helping to define the best antibiotic to be used.

Treatment for orchitis includes rest and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. The urologist may also recommend the application of cold compresses in the region to reduce pain and swelling, which can take up to 30 days to be resolved. In the case of bacterial infection, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics.

In the most extreme case of orchitis, the urologist may recommend surgical removal of the testicles.

Is orchitis curable?

Orchitis is curable and usually leaves no sequelae when the treatment is done correctly. However, some possible sequelae that may occur are atrophy of the testicles, the formation of abscesses and infertility when the 2 testicles are affected.