Orchitis
Orchitis is an infection in 1 or both testicles. It can be viral or bacterial. Orchitis may be caused by:
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Epididymitis. The epididymis is the duct that carries semen out of the testicle to the urethra (tract that passes urine). If it gets infected, bacteria can spread to the testicle. A common cause of epididymitis and orchitis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Other infections can also cause epididymitis, especially in people older than age 40.
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Prostate infection. The prostate gland surrounds a part of the urethra. An infection in the prostate gland can spread to the testicle.
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Mumps. This is the most common virus that can cause orchitis. About 1/3 of people older than age 10 with mumps will get mumps orchitis. About 1/3 of orchitis infections lead to shrinking of the affected testicle. In rare cases, inability to have children (infertility) can occur. This occurs only if both testicles are affected.
Orchitis causes pain or heaviness in 1 or both testicles. This pain may spread to the lower belly (abdomen). The testicle is sore and swollen. The skin of the scrotum may become red or purplish. You may notice blood in your semen. Other symptoms include high fever, nausea, and vomiting. You may have pain with urination or sex.
Treat bacterial orchitis using antibiotics for 10 days. Treatment for viral (mumps) orchitis is aimed at symptom relief only. This is because antibiotics don't work for viruses. It often takes 1 to 3 weeks for mumps orchitis to go away.
Home care
These guidelines will help you care for yourself at home:
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If you were given antibiotics, take them all as prescribed. It's important to finish them, even if you're feeling better.
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You may use over-the-counter medicines to control pain, unless you were given another medicine. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, or have ever had a stomach ulcer or digestive tract bleeding, talk with your healthcare provider before using these medicines.
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Elevate your scrotum. Use snug-fitting briefs or an athletic supporter.
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To help with pain and swelling, place an ice pack over the scrotum for no more than 20 minutes every 3 to 6 hours during the first 24 to 48 hours. Then keep using ice packs as needed for pain and swelling. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a thin towel. Don't put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider after you finish all antibiotics, or as advised. If a culture was taken, call as directed for the results. Use condoms or don't have sex until you get the results. If you have an STI, continue this protection until both you and your sexual partner finish treatment.
Call 911
Call 911 if you have any of these:
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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Continued nausea or vomiting
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Trouble passing urine
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Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider
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Increasing pain and swelling in 1 or both testicles
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marc Greenstein MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Tennille Dozier RN BSN RDMS
Date Last Reviewed:
5/1/2022
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