orchitis

Orchitis Description

Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testicles, usually caused by an infection. The condition can be characterized by:

• Swollen testicles: One or both testicles may become swollen and tender to the touch.
• Testicle pain: Pain in the affected testicle(s) is a common symptom of orchitis.
• Pain and swelling: Pain and swelling in one or both testicles are typically the most noticeable symptoms of epididymitis and orchitis.

Orchitis can be caused by various factors, including:

• Bacterial infections: Bacteria such as E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae can cause orchitis.
• Viral infections: The mumps virus is a common cause of viral orchitis.
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): Certain STDs, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can also lead to orchitis.

It's essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time. A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

References

• [1] Orchitis causes swollen testicles and testicle pain. The mumps virus, bacterial infections and STDs can cause orchitis.
• [3] Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicles. It can be caused by either bacteria or a virus. Both testicles may be affected by orchitis at the same time.
• [6] Epididymitis and Orchitis Symptoms · Pain and swelling in one or both testicles: These are typically the most noticeable symptoms of epididymitis and orchitis.
• [8] Orchitis is inflammation of the testis. Clinically though, orchitis is used to indicate any disease of the scrotal contents, including periorchitis, ...

Orchitis: Signs and Symptoms

Orchitis is an infection of one or both testicles, typically caused by a viral or bacterial agent. The symptoms of orchitis can vary in severity and may include:

• Swollen and tender testicles: One or both testicles may become swollen, red, and painful to the touch [1].
• Painful urination: Orchitis can cause pain while urinating due to inflammation of the urinary tract [2].
• Fever and chills: A high temperature and feeling unwell are common symptoms of orchitis [3].
• Blood in semen: In some cases, blood may be present in the semen, which can indicate a more severe infection [4].
• Groin pain: Pain or discomfort in the groin area is another symptom of orchitis [5].

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as prompt treatment can help alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.

References: [1] - Symptoms · Swelling in one or both testicles. · Pain ranging from mild to very bad. · Fever. · Nausea and vomiting. · Feeling ill, called malaise. [2] - Fever and chills. · Swollen, painful testicles or scrotum. · Unexplained muscle pain. [3] - Symptoms · Pain in the testicle · Blood in the semen · Discharge from penis · Fever · Groin pain · Pain with intercourse or ejaculation · Pain with ... [4] - Sep 18, 2022 — Orchitis Symptoms · Testicles that appear tender, swollen, and red or purple · A heavy feeling in the swollen testicle · Blood in your semen · High ... [5] - Symptoms and signs of orchitis · tenderness in the scrotum · painful urination · painful ejaculation · a swollen scrotum · blood in the semen · abnormal discharge · an ...

Diagnostic Tests for Orchitis

Orchitis, an inflammation of one or both testicles, can be diagnosed through various tests to identify the underlying cause and rule out other conditions.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for bacterial and viral infections, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea [2][3].
• Ultrasonography: An ultrasound test can show blood flow to the affected area, helping to diagnose orchitis or rule out other conditions like testicular torsion [1][8].
• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC may be performed to evaluate the overall health of the blood and detect any underlying infections [3][6].
• Urinalysis: Urine tests can help identify bacterial or viral infections, including STDs [2][7].
• Urine Culture: A urine culture test can confirm the presence of bacteria in the urine, which may indicate a urinary tract infection [7].

In some cases, additional tests such as a rectal exam and an ultrasound of the inflamed testicle may be performed to rule out other conditions like testicular torsion [9].

Treatment Options for Orchitis

Orchitis, an inflammation of one or both testicles, can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The treatment approach depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

• Viral Orchitis: In most cases, viral orchitis is self-limiting and resolves on its own without specific treatment. However, symptoms such as pain and swelling can be managed with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) [1].
• Bacterial Orchitis: Bacterial epididymo-orchitis requires prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent complications and promote recovery. Empiric antibiotic therapy is recommended for presumed bacterial epididymitis, and antibiotics should be started before microbiological identification of the pathogen [3]. A course of antibiotic medicine usually clears the infection, and full recovery is usual [8].
• Supportive Care: In addition to medication, supportive care such as bed rest and the use of hot or cold packs for pain can help alleviate symptoms. Wearing a jockstrap to support and immobilize the scrotal area may also be beneficial [4].

Medications Used in Orchitis Treatment

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are commonly used to relieve swelling, pain, and fever associated with orchitis. Fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins have also been used as antibacterial medications for the treatment of AEO [6].

Prevention

While there is no specific way to prevent orchitis, maintaining good hygiene practices can help reduce the risk of infection.

References:

[1] Nov 8, 2024 — Treating viral orchitis [3] Jun 20, 2023 — Empiric antibiotic therapy is recommended only for presumed bacterial epididymitis and should be started before microbiological identification of the pathogen. [4] by TH TROJIAN · 2009 · Cited by 351 — Orchitis treatment is mostly supportive and should include bed rest and the use of hot or cold packs for pain. [6] by O Banyra · 2012 · Cited by 64 — The treatment of AEO includes antibacterial drugs, analgesics, and, if necessary, surgery. [8] Jul 13, 2023 — A course of antibiotic medicine will usually clear the infection. Full recovery is usual.

Understanding Differential Diagnosis of Orchitis

Orchitis, an inflammation of one or both testicles, can be caused by various factors, including infections, injuries, and underlying medical conditions. A differential diagnosis is a process of ruling out other possible causes of the condition to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Common Causes of Orchitis:

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections are common causes of orchitis. These include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, as well as viral infections like mumps.
• Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, a tube-like structure that stores and carries sperm from the testicles, can also cause orchitis.
• Testicular torsion: A condition where the testicle twists around its blood supply, cutting off oxygen and nutrients, is another possible cause of orchitis.

Differential Diagnosis:

To accurately diagnose orchitis, healthcare providers must consider other possible causes of the condition. These include:

• Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections.
• Testicular torsion: A condition where the testicle twists around its blood supply, cutting off oxygen and nutrients.
• Scrotal cellulitis: An infection of the scrotum and surrounding tissues.

Key Points to Consider:

When considering a differential diagnosis for orchitis, it's essential to take into account the following factors:

• Age: Orchitis is more common in young men, especially those under 20 years old.
• Symptoms: Painful swelling of the testicles and scrotum are common symptoms of orchitis.
• Medical history: A history of STIs or other underlying medical conditions can increase the risk of developing orchitis.

References:

• [1] Jan 26, 2023 — Testicular torsion is the main differential diagnosis. Patients with testicular torsion typically present with abrupt scrotal pain, whereas ...
• [7] Jan 26, 2023 — Orchitis is an acute inflammatory reaction of the testis secondary to infection. Most cases are associated with a viral mumps infection.
• [8] Differential diagnosis for epididymo-orchitis​​ Torsion is more common in men who are younger than 20 years but it can occur at any age. A painful swollen ...
• [9] by TJ Rupp · 2023 · Cited by 9 — Differential Diagnosis. The differential diagnoses of epididymitis include but are not limited to the following: Epididymal congestion following vasectomy.