What is orchitis?

Orchitis may be caused by bacterial infection, viral infection, trauma, retrograde spread of urinary tract infection, immune abnormalities, etc. It can be treated with antibiotic treatment, antiviral treatment, local cold compress, bed rest, surgical drainage, etc.

1. Bacterial infection

Bacterial orchitis is mostly caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through urinary tract or blood infection. Patients will experience symptoms such as testicular swelling and pain, and scrotal skin redness and heat, which may be accompanied by chills and high fever. Antibiotics such as levofloxacin tablets, cefixime dispersible tablets, and amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets are commonly used in clinical treatment. In the acute stage, bed rest is required and the affected area is elevated with a scrotal support.

2. Viral infection

Mumps virus is the main pathogen causing viral orchitis, which is more common in post-pubertal males. Severe pain and swelling of the testicles may occur 7-10 days after infection, usually accompanied by swelling of the parotid gland. Treatment is mainly symptomatic. Ibuprofen sustained-release capsules can be used to relieve pain. If necessary, short-term prednisone tablets can be used to reduce inflammation. Strenuous exercise should be avoided during illness.

3. Traumatic factors

After the testicles suffer a direct impact or straddle injury, local tissue congestion and edema may cause traumatic orchitis. It manifests as testicular swelling and pain that continues to worsen after the injury, and bruises may appear in the scrotum. In the early stage, intermittent cold compresses can be used to reduce swelling. When pain is obvious, celecoxib capsules can be taken. If accompanied by testicular rupture, emergency surgical repair is required.

4. Spread of urinary tract infection

When urinary system infections such as prostatitis and urethritis are not controlled in time, pathogens may retrogradely infect the testicles through the vas deferens. Such patients often have symptoms of frequent urination and painful urination first, and then unilateral testicular pain. Treatment requires antibiotics with a high concentration in the prostate, such as tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules combined with levofloxacin tablets, and drinking more water to maintain smooth urination.

5. Immune abnormalities

Autoimmune orchitis is more common in teenagers and is related to the body's production of anti-sperm antibodies. It manifests as painless and slow swelling of the testicles on both sides, which may affect fertility. Diagnosis needs to be combined with anti-sperm antibody testing, and immunosuppressants such as prednisone acetate tablets can be tried for treatment. Such patients should avoid local overheating of the testicles and wear loose and breathable underwear.

Patients with orchitis should stay in bed strictly during the acute stage, and use a towel roll to pad the scrotum to reduce the feeling of swelling. The diet should be light, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and drink more than 2000 ml of water every day. During the recovery period, activities that may cause testicular friction, such as cycling or heavy physical labor, are prohibited. If symptoms such as persistent high fever, severe testicular pain, or difficulty urinating occur, you should seek medical attention immediately to rule out emergencies such as testicular torsion. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the perineum at ordinary times, avoid holding urine for a long time, and urinate promptly after sex to help prevent orchitis caused by urinary tract infection.