What are the early symptoms of orchitis

The early symptoms of orchitis mainly include scrotal pain, swelling, fever, discomfort during urination, and general fatigue. Orchitis is usually caused by bacterial infection, viral infection, trauma, retrograde spread of urinary tract infection, or immune factors, and requires intervention through anti-infective treatment, symptomatic support, and life adjustment.

1. Scrotal pain

Early manifestations include persistent dull pain or stabbing pain in the scrotum on one or both sides, which may radiate to the groin or lower abdomen. The pain of bacterial orchitis is often accompanied by redness, swelling, heat and pain, while the pain of viral orchitis is milder but more widespread. Pain in the acute phase may be aggravated by walking or touching, and bed rest and avoidance of compression are recommended. Drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules and acetaminophen tablets are commonly used clinically to relieve pain. In severe cases, cefixime dispersible tablets are needed to fight infection.

2. Scrotal swelling

The skin of the scrotum on the affected side was tight and shiny, significantly enlarged in size, and felt hard upon palpation. Bacterial infection may lead to hydrocele, and increased testicular blood flow signal may be seen on ultrasound. If the scrotum needs to be elevated to reduce edema, wet compresses with magnesium sulfate solution can be used. If the swelling lasts for more than 3 days or is accompanied by purple skin, it may indicate an emergency such as testicular torsion, and you must seek medical attention immediately to rule out surgical conditions.

3. Local fever

The scrotal temperature on the affected side is 1-2°C higher than that on the contralateral side, and there is a burning sensation when touching the body surface. Viral infection may be accompanied by low-grade fever, and bacterial infection is common with persistent fever above 38°C. It is recommended to measure the body temperature every 4 hours. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, indomethacin suppositories can be temporarily used. At the same time, blood routine and urine culture are required to identify the pathogen.

4. Discomfort in urination

About half of the patients experience frequent urination, urgency or burning pain during urination, especially when combined with urethritis. Routine urine examination shows an increase in the number of white blood cells and bacteria, which needs to be differentiated from prostatitis. During treatment, you should drink more than 2000 ml of water every day and avoid spicy food irritation. It can be used with levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules to control urinary tract infections.

5. General fatigue

Viral orchitis is common with systemic symptoms such as muscle soreness and loss of appetite. Patients with secondary mumps may be accompanied by swelling of the parotid gland. It is necessary to ensure 7-8 hours of sleep every day and supplement vitamin C effervescent tablets to enhance immunity. If central symptoms such as headache and vomiting occur, you need to be alert to the complications of viral meningitis.

Patients with orchitis should wear loose cotton underwear to avoid friction, and suspend sexual life and strenuous exercise during the acute stage. In your diet, you should choose high-protein, easily digestible foods such as fish and steamed eggs, and limit caffeine and alcohol intake. If symptoms do not improve within 72 hours or high fever and severe vomiting occur, a repeat ultrasound is required to rule out serious complications such as testicular abscess. During the recovery period, you can take a warm sitz bath to promote local blood circulation, but the water temperature should not exceed 40°C to avoid aggravating congestion.