Orchitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Orchitis is an inflammatory process of the male testicles. This process can cause inflammation of one or both testicles. Inflammation occurs as a reaction to infection in other parts of the body.
Many things can trigger inflammation – such as bacteria, viruses, spirochetes, parasites, trauma, chemicals or unknown factors.
In general, orchitis can be divided into three types:
- Viral orchitis is a type of orchitis caused by a virus attack
- Bacterial orchitis, which is a type of orchitis caused by bacteria
- Idiopathic orchitis is a type of orchitis whose cause is not known with certainty
Symptom
The most common symptom of orchitis is pain and swelling of the testicles. Pain can be felt up to both thighs. Complaints of pain are often felt together with fever, nausea, vomiting, and painful urination.
Various symptoms of orchitis that you can easily recognize are:
- Testicular pain, from mild intensity to severe pain
- Testicular swelling
- Fever and chills
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the thigh area
- Discomfort in the testicles
- Pain when urinating and having sex
Reason
The causes of orchitis vary widely – ranging from bacteria, gonococci, tubercle bacilli, or viruses such as paramyxovirus, and mumps (parotitis). However, viruses are known to be the most common cause of orchitis.
There are several risk factors for orchitis. Among them are inadequate immunization, old age (> 45 years), recurrent urinary tract infections, and multiple partners.
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of orchitis, it is necessary to conduct a medical interview with the sufferer. This medical interview also needs to be supported by a physical examination.
Apart from the typical complaint of pain in the testicles, a person also needs to do a urine culture examination. In certain cases, testicular ultrasound can be done to help determine the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment of the testicles can be started by administering drugs according to the cause. If a person has complaints of testicular pain and is sexually active, then giving antibiotics can be considered. Fever-reducing drugs can be given if the patient also has a fever.
In general, the treatment of orchitis can be divided according to its type:
- Idiopathic orchitis
To treat this type of orchitis, doctors will usually give antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Viral orchitis
Treatment of orchitis caused by viruses is carried out by administering anti-inflammatory drugs. You should also get plenty of rest.
- Bacterial orchitis
Orchitis caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics.
Prevention
Mumps (mumps) is the most common cause of orchitis, because of which the mumps immunization (MMR) can be done. Having safe sex can also reduce your risk of infection with bacteria that cause sexually transmitted infections, which can lead to orchitis. It is better to avoid changing partners.