Orchitis, also known as orchitis, is an inflammation of the testicles that can be caused by local trauma, torsion of the testicle, or infection, and is most often related to the mumps virus. Orchitis can affect only one or both testicles, and may be classified as acute or chronic according to the progression of symptoms:
- Acute orchitis, in which there is a sensation of weight in the testicles, in addition to pain;
- Chronic orchitis, which is usually asymptomatic, may only be felt small discomfort when the testicle is handled.
In addition to the inflammation of the testicles, there may still be inflammation of the epididymis, which is a small canal that leads the spermatozoa to ejaculation, and orchitisididitis is characterized. Understand what is orchitispididimitis, symptoms and how the 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 of the testicles;
- Discomfort in handling the testicles;
- Sensation of weight in the region;
- Testicular sweating;
- Fever and malaise.
When orchitis is related to mumps, symptoms may appear 7 days after the swelling of the face. However, the faster the orchitis is identified, the greater the chances of cure and the lower the chances of sequelae, such as infertility, for example. Therefore, once the symptoms of inflammation in the testicles are noticed, it is important to go to the urologist for the necessary tests to be performed. Know when to go to the urologist.
Main causes
Inflammation of the testicles may occur due to local traumas, testicular torsion, infection by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites or even by sexually transmitted microorganisms. Know other causes of swelling of the testicles.
The most common cause of orchitis is infection with the mumps virus, and it should be treated as soon as possible because 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 drugs or analgesics, which should be recommended by the doctor. Also, it is important to stay at rest, make ice packs on the spot and elevate the scrotum. If the patient seeks treatment at the onset of symptoms, the condition can be reversed within up to one week.
Bacterial orchitis
Bacterial orchitis is usually associated with inflammation of the epididymis and may be caused by bacteria such as Mycobacterium sp., Haemophilus sp., Treponema pallidum . The treatment is done according to the medical orientation, being recommended the use of antibiotics according to the bacterial species responsible for the disease.
How is the diagnosis and treatment made?
The diagnosis of orchitis can be made through the clinical observation of the symptoms of the disease and is confirmed after the exams such as blood tests and scrotal ultrasonography, for example. In addition, tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia may be helpful in checking whether these can be the cause of the disease, as well as helping to define the best antibiotic to be used.
Treatment for orchitis includes rest and the use of anti-inflammatory medications. The urologist can also indicate the application of cold compresses in the region to reduce the pain and swelling that can take up to 30 days to be resolved. In case of bacterial infection, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics.
In the more extreme case of orchitis, it may be recommended by the urologist to remove the testicles surgically.
Orquite has a cure?
Orchitis has healing and usually leaves no sequel when treatment is done properly. However, some possible sequelae that may occur are atrophy of the testicles, abscess formation, and infertility when the 2 testes are affected.
