Orchitis is

inflammation Inflammation (from la, inflammatio) is part of the complex biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants, and is a protective response involving immune cells, blood vessels, and molec ...

of the

testes A testicle or testis (plural testes) is the male reproductive gland or gonad in all bilaterians, including humans. It is homologous to the female ovary. The functions of the testes are to produce both sperm and androgens, primarily testoste ...

. It can also involve swelling, pains and frequent infection, particularly of the epididymis, as in

epididymitis Epididymitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the epididymis, a curved structure at the back of the testicle. Onset of pain is typically over a day or two. The pain may improve with raising the testicle. Other symptoms may i ...

. The term is from the Ancient Greek ὄρχις meaning "testicle"; same root as ''

orchid Orchids are plants that belong to the family Orchidaceae (), a diverse and widespread group of flowering plants with blooms that are often colourful and fragrant. Along with the Asteraceae, they are one of the two largest families of flowerin ...

''.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of orchitis are similar to those of

testicular torsion Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord (from which the testicle is suspended) twists, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. The most common symptom in children is sudden, severe testicular pain. The testicle may be higher than ...

. These can include: *

hematospermia Hematospermia (also known as haematospermia, hemospermia, or haemospermia) is the presence of blood in ejaculation. It is most often a benign symptom. Among men age 40 or older, hematospermia is a slight predictor of cancer, typically prostate can ...

(blood in the

semen Semen, also known as seminal fluid, is an organic bodily fluid created to contain spermatozoa. It is secreted by the gonads (sexual glands) and other sexual organs of male or hermaphroditic animals and can fertilize the female ovum. Sem ...

) * hematuria (blood in the urine) * severe pain * visible Swelling (medical), swelling of a testicle or testicles and often the inguinal lymph nodes on the affected side.

Causes

Orchitis can be related to

infection that has spread to the testicles (then called "epididymo-orchitis"), sometimes caused by the sexually transmitted diseases Chlamydia infection, chlamydia and gonorrhea. It has also been reported in cases of males infected with brucellosis. Orchitis can also be seen during active mumps, particularly in adolescent boys. Ischemic orchitis may result from damage to the blood vessels of the spermatic cord during Hernia repair, inguinal herniorrhaphy, and may in the worst event lead to testicular atrophy.

Diagnosis

* Blood – ESR high * Urine – Cultural & Sensitivity test * Ultrasound scanning

Treatment

In most cases where orchitis is caused by epididymitis, treatment is an oral antibiotic such as cefalexin or ciprofloxacin until infection clears up. In both causes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen or ibuprofen are recommended to relieve pain. Sometimes stronger pain medications in the opiate category are called for and are frequently prescribed by experienced emergency department physicians.

Other animals

Orchitis is not rare in bulls and sheep, rams. It has also been described in roosters.

References

External links

{{Male diseases of the pelvis and genitals Inflammations Testicle disorders Mumps Men's health