What is Orchitis? Chances are, many people haven’t actually heard of this health word before.

Orchitis is when one, or both, testicles are swollen. This could be caused by a bacterial infection or the mumps virus.

Bacterial orchitis can be actually be caused by sexually transmitted infections or STIs. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the STIs most commonly linked to causing bacterial orchitis. This condition can also result from epididymitis. We learned about epididymitis in our last blog, for a quick refresher on what epididymitis is, click our blog.

What Is Epididymitis?

Orchitis often times causes pain and infertility. Medication can help cure orchitis and take away a good amount of the signs and symptoms or viral orchitis. However, it usually takes a few weeks for the tenderness to disappear.

Signs and Symptoms of Orchitis

Signs and symptoms of orchitis typically develop suddenly. These symptoms may include:

  • Swelling and tenderness in one or both testicles
  • Mild to severe pain
  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting

It should be known that testicular pain and groin pain are used interchangeably. But groin pain usually happens in the fold skin between the thigh and the abdomen. Groin pain causes usually are different from testicular pain.

Causes of Orchitis

Orchitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

Bacterial Orchitis:

Bacterial orchitis is most commonly caused by epididymitis, which is when the urethra of the bladder.

As stated above, STIs are a common cause for orchitis.

Information About Viral Orchitis

Viral orchitis is usually caused by the mumps virus. About one third of males who get mumps after puberty get a viral orchitis. Surprisingly, the viral orchitis will appear four to seven days after your get the mumps.

Potential Risk Factors of Orchitis:

Nonsexually Transmitted Orchitis Risk Factors:

  • Not getting immunized against mumps
  • Recurring urinary tract infections
  • Surgery that involves genitals or urinary tract
  • Abnormality in the urinary tract

Sexual behaviors that may lead to STIs that can cause orchitis:

  • Having multiple sexual partners
  • Sex with a partner who has an STI
  • Sex without the protection of a condom
  • Having had multiple STIs in the past

Preparing for your appointment:

You’ll most likely to go to a  specialist who deals with urinary issues, such as a urologist. Before you go to your appointment prepare a list of questions and answers for your doctor, such as:

  • Prepare a list of questions for your doctor.
  • Make a list of your symptoms
  • Give your doctor a list of your childhood illnesses and immunizations
  • Expect questions from your doctor like:
  • When did your symptoms start?
  • How severe are your symptoms?
  • What is your sexual history and do you practice safe sex?

These are just a few examples of how to prepare for your doctor’s appointment.

For Orchitis Treatment Options, Call Urology Experts

We are leading urology experts in the Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Bonita Springs, Fla. areas. If you or anyone you know is having urological problems, please contact us.