If orchitis is not a regular part of a man’s vocabulary that’s okay – orchitis is much more likely to be referred to what it is more commonly known as which is inflammation of one or both testicles in men that is usually caused by an infection.

Inflammation of the testicles or orchitis occurs when bacteria is spread through the blood from other locations of the body. Sometimes it can also result from a progression of epididymitis which is an infection of the epididymis which is a long, tightly coiled tube lying above and behind each testicles. This tube collects and stores maturing sperm made by the testicles prior to ejaculation.

Symptoms of orchitis

Here are common symptoms orchitis can cause:

· Swelling, tenderness or a feeling of “heaviness” in the scrotal area and in one or both testicles

· Pain in the testicles that becomes worse when straining or during a bowel movement

· Fever

· Pain during urination, sexual intercourse, or ejaculation

· Discharge from the penis

· Blood in the semen

Causes of orchitis

The causes of orchitis are generally due to both bacteria and viruses:

·Either a prostate infection or epididymitis can result in orchitis. The bacteria that commonly cause this inflammation include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus.

·The virus that causes mumps can be the cause of orchitis. Mumps generally occurs in young children and with about a third of boys with mumps who will develop orchitis. This inflammation can result in a condition called testicular atrophy or shrinking of the testicles. 

·The sexually transmitted diseases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis can lead to orchitis.  Any man who has many sexual partners, is involved in high-risk sexual behaviors such as unprotected sex, has a partner with a sexually transmitted disease, or has a history of a sexually transmitted disease is at risk of orchitis.

Treatment for orchitis

Any boy or man who develops orchitis needs to see his doctor as soon as possible to be prescribed an antibiotic which the majority of cases of orchitis require. It is important not to delay medical care as antibiotic therapy is necessary to cure the infection and to prevent its spread.

Various diagnostic tests may be performed to determine if a man has orchitis. These could include an ultrasound of the inflamed testicle(s) to determine if it is orchitis or testicular torsion.

A rectal exam is usually performed to check if the infection has spread to the prostate. A urine sample will be done to check for any sexually transmitted diseases or other bacteria present in addition to a blood test checking for syphilis or HIV.

Preventing orchitis

In order to prevent orchitis, there are certain steps for men of all ages to take:

·It is important for all children, but especially boys to be immunized from getting the childhood disease of mumps

·Avoid high-risk sexual situations increasing the risk of being exposed to a sexually transmitted disease.

·Use a condom when having sex