Inflammation of the testicles (orchitis) - causes, symptoms and treatment

Mkrtchyan

Karen Gagikovich

13 years of experience

Candidate of Medical Sciences, member of the European Association of Urology and the Russian Society of Oncourologists

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Orchitis in men is an inflammatory process in the testicular tissues, which is caused by a bacterial or viral nature, as well as trauma to the testicles. The risk group includes men of all ages. Orchitis in men often appears at the age of peak sexual activity. The cause of orchitis at this age lies in the greatest likelihood of infection. In childhood, orchitis most often has a viral nature. Infection with sexually transmitted diseases, one way or another, is accompanied by inflammation leading to orchitis. Orchitis in adult men over 50 years of age develops against the background of dysfunction of the genitourinary system.

Symptoms and signs of orchitis

Symptoms of orchitis in the classical manifestation depend on the severity of the pathological processes and the cause of the development of the disease. Common symptoms of orchitis:

• weakness;
• high fever and chills;
• headache;
• muscle aches.

Acute orchitis, as a rule, develops rapidly, literally in a couple of days.

Symptoms of testicular orchitis:

• increasing size;
• sharp pain decreases when lying down;
• hyperemia of the skin over the affected testicle;
• severe swelling that does not allow palpation of internal structures;
• copious secretion of secretion that has an unpleasant odor and a specific yellow-green tint;
• enlarged lymph nodes in the groin are likely;
• dysfunction of urination - pain, frequency of urges, etc.

Chronic orchitis has stable symptoms. Symptoms of orchitis in chronic men:

• increased temperature during exacerbations;
• the presence of nagging and aching pain that intensifies during physical activity, sexual intercourse and defecation;
• pain is localized in the groin, perineum and testicle;
• the presence of blood in the semen indicates the onset of complications.

Testicular orchitis accompanies epidemic mumps. The first symptoms of orchitis in men against the background of a mumps epidemic are general weakness, fever and chills, difficulty swallowing and swelling in the ear area. In this case, irreversible damage to the testicle often occurs.

Symptoms of diseases

Both pathologies can occur in two forms. Signals about the development of the acute stage of orchitis or epididymitis will be:

• a feeling of severe pain in the testicles (often it radiates to the sacrum, lower back and groin);
• enlargement of one side of the scrotum (it will also be hot to the touch);
• loss of appetite, weakness and nausea;
• severe pain in the head;
• fever up to 39 degrees and feeling chills.

If treatment was not carried out on time and efficiently, then a chronic form of pathology develops. A man suffering from orchitis feels only mild pain in the testicular area. It is felt when touched. A patient with epididymitis suffers from severe pain in this area, which is more often felt when running and walking. At the same time, the body temperature is almost always above 37 degrees. Pathologies can provoke a decrease in the level of secretion produced by the testicle, which leads to infertility.

Causes of occurrence and development

Inflammation of the testicles has a multifactorial nature. There is a possibility of developing testicular orchitis due to infection with bacteria and viruses, while taking medications, due to an unknown cause, and so on.

In childhood, the bacterial nature of the disease originates in congenital anomalies or dysfunctions due to the accumulation of urine residues. All this contributes to the development of urinary tract infections that are prone to relapse.

All causes of testicular orchitis in men are divided into several groups:

• viral infections - mumps, measles, rubella, chickenpox or Coxsackie virus, adenovirus or cytomegalovirus;
• urological pathologies - bacterial infections from neighboring inflamed organs (prostate, appendages, vesicles), as well as those entering through the blood from other foci of inflammation;
• traumatism – urological manipulations or operations, diagnostic procedures that violate the integrity of the membranes on the mucous membrane. This also includes insect or animal bites, blows and mechanical damage. This group of reasons can cause suppuration;
• sexually transmitted infections are any diseases acquired through sexual contact during a man’s sexual activity. The virus comes from the urethra only through contact with an infected person. The most common are chlamydia, mycoplasma, gonococci, trichomonas and other infections.

Routes of infection and risk factors

There are several ways of contracting orchitis, which depend on the causes of its occurrence. When infected by viruses, the infection process is hematogenous in nature. When infected with sexually transmitted diseases, the only route of infection is contact.

Risk factors for developing the disease are:

• HIV status;
• diabetes;
• severe form of infectious diseases;
• other factors of immunosuppression;
• taking hormones, chemotherapy or immunosuppressants and others.

Complications after orchitis

Acute orchitis leads the patient to a urologist to receive adequate treatment. In this case, the disturbance of spermatogenesis reaches almost 90%, but after a year from the moment of cure, the functions are restored.

Timely and adequate treatment of orchitis does not allow complications to develop. The following are considered complications of orchitis:

• transition to a chronic form;
• infertility;
• testicular atrophy;
• sepsis;
• abscesses and others.

When to see a doctor

Treatment of testicular inflammation is carried out by a urologist. You should make an appointment with a specialist if you suspect orchitis, as well as if the symptoms described above appear.

Preventive measures

In order to avoid the development of these diseases, you must follow simple rules:

• lead an active life, constantly play sports;
• eliminate blood stagnation during sexual abstinence through physical exercise;
• eat right, including foods high in minerals, beneficial microelements and proteins in your diet;
• timely treat all diseases of an inflammatory and infectious nature;
• give up cigarettes and alcohol consumption;
• lead a regular intimate life, do not change partners frequently, avoid unprotected and interrupted sexual intercourse;
• avoid overheating and hypothermia of the body.

Performing preventive procedures will minimize the risk of orchitis and epididymitis. However, it is worth remembering that at the slightest suspicion of the development of pathology, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only timely diagnosis and treatment will avoid complications.

Diagnosis of orchitis

Symptoms and treatment of orchitis in men are compared during the diagnostic process. A careful history and physical examination can make a diagnosis of orchitis. In this case, to identify the causes of infection, it is necessary to carry out diagnostic procedures:

• rectal examination with fingers of the prostate gland;
• consultations with an oncologist or surgeon;
• laboratory tests - PCR analysis for gonococci and chlamydia, urethral smear, analysis for bacterial pathogens and drug sensitivity, study of ELISA methods for the mumps virus, general blood test shows inflammation;
• instrumental studies - ultrasound of the scrotum using Doppler, MRI of the pelvic organs, diaphanoscopy.

Symptoms and treatment of orchitis require differential diagnosis for diseases such as testicular torsion or pinched inguinoscrotal hernia.

Prices for services

Initial appointment with a urologist FOR MEN + ultrasound of the prostate gland (assessment of complaints, medical history, if necessary, rectal digital examination, ultrasound of the prostate gland in men)

Primary appointment – ​​visiting a doctor of a specific specialty for the first time. Includes a conversation with the patient, an initial examination, anamnesis, if necessary, a digital rectal examination, and an ultrasound of the prostate gland. The price is valid from 02/01/2021 The price is not valid for appointments at the branches of Bolshevikov Ave. and Prosveshcheniya Ave. Make an appointment

550 ₽

Initial appointment with manager Department of Urology Rylchikov I.V. + Ultrasound (includes a conversation with the patient, initial examination, medical history, if necessary, rectal digital examination, ultrasound of the prostate gland)

Primary appointment – ​​visiting a doctor of a specific specialty for the first time. Make an appointment

1200 ₽

Repeated appointment with the urologist

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700 ₽

Treatment

Treatment of orchitis in a hospital is carried out only in the presence of suppuration and other purulent-type complications that are specific to immunosuppression. In this case, treatment of orchitis requires bed rest and wearing a suspensor. In the process of treating orchitis in men, it is important to follow a diet - excluding spicy and alcoholic drinks while increasing drinking. Increased drinking regimen promotes detoxification and rapid flushing of the pathogen from the body.

Treatment of testicular orchitis begins with standard methods without obtaining bacterial cultures and PCR analysis results. If the disease is viral in nature, treatment of orchitis with antibiotics forms the basis of therapy. If a sexually transmitted infection is detected, simultaneous treatment of the sexual partner is required.

Complex therapy is based on the following points:

• drug therapy - broad-spectrum antibiotics for orchitis are used for a course of up to 4 weeks, painkillers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antipyretic;
• local measures - cold is applied to the site of swelling in the first hours, absorbable compresses in the future, physiotherapy: electrophoresis, laser and magnetic methods, UHF against exacerbations;
• surgical methods - surgery for orchitis is performed during suppuration. Sometimes incisions are made in the primary stages of the disease.

ethnoscience

How to treat orchitis with folk remedies? Tinctures and lotions can be used only after the permission of the attending physician, since medicinal herbs are included in a large number of medications for the treatment of inflammation. Infusions are made from anti-inflammatory herbs and herbs. Lotions are based on propolis, milk, cabbage leaves and vinegar, honey and flax seeds.

How to treat orthiasis in men?

Treatment of orchitis consists of prescribing medications that are aimed at eliminating the source of inflammation. First of all, antibiotics are recommended. Paracetamol is most often prescribed to reduce fever. To eliminate pain and improve the outflow of sperm, antispasmodics are prescribed.

Treatment regimen for orchitis:

1. Pathogenetic treatment - the use of anti-inflammatory drugs “Indomethacin”, “Ibuprofen”, painkillers “Baralgina”, “Ketorol”, angioprotectors “Venorus”, “Detralex”, vitamin complexes.
2. Etiotropic treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease. Antibiotic therapy is carried out: patients are prescribed drugs from the group of fluoroquinolones - Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, cephalosporins - Cefotaxime, Cefazolin or macrolides - Azithromycin, Clarithromycin.
3. Physiotherapeutic procedures have an anti-inflammatory, local immunostimulating and restorative effect. Patients with chronic orchitis are prescribed UHF therapy, magnetic therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, electrotherapy, physical therapy, mud and mineral baths.
4. Patients with an acute form of the disease are advised to have bed rest, a minimum of movements, rest and an elevated position of the scrotum, and the use of a support bandage that improves blood circulation in the inflamed organ and eliminates congestion in the pelvic organs.

At home, cold compresses are used as a pain reliever. Every 4 hours, a compress is applied to the scrotum for 10 minutes. Treatment of orchitis includes following a diet and giving up bad habits. Spicy, sour and salty foods should be excluded from the diet.

Prognosis and prevention

To preserve the functions of spermatogenesis, it is necessary to be observed by a urologist during the treatment of testicular inflammation. Cases of complete infertility or complications are associated with insufficient diagnosis. The highest probability of infertility occurs after orchitis that occurs against the background of mumps.

Everyone knows the simple classical truth - any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. This is why it is so important to follow simple measures to prevent the development of orchitis:

• monogamy of sexual contacts or adherence to contraceptive protection in case of possible contact with a casual sexual partner;
• protective equipment when engaging in traumatic sports and compliance with safety measures when engaging in such sports;
• regular visits to the urologist if there is discomfort or other doubts about health;
• control of chronic urological diseases - timely preventive treatment;
• vaccination against mumps in childhood.