What causes orchitis?

Orchitis may be caused by bacterial infection, viral infection, trauma, retrograde spread of urinary tract infection, immune abnormalities and other reasons. Orchitis mainly manifests as scrotal redness, swelling and pain, fever, and discomfort during urination. It can be relieved by antibiotic treatment, antiviral treatment, analgesic and anti-inflammation, bed rest, and scrotal support.

1. Bacterial infection

Bacterial orchitis is mostly caused by retrograde infection of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus and other pathogens through the vas deferens. Patients may experience severe unilateral testicular pain accompanied by chills and high fever, and the scrotal skin may become red and swollen. Antibiotics such as ceftriaxone sodium for injection, levofloxacin tablets, and amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets need to be used as directed by the doctor, and at the same time, cold compresses on the scrotum can be used to relieve swelling.

2. Viral infection

Mumps virus is the main pathogen causing viral orchitis, which is more common in post-pubertal males. Symptoms such as testicular swelling and pain and low-grade fever usually occur after parotid gland swelling. Ribavirin granules and interferon α2b injection can be used for antiviral treatment. If necessary, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules can be taken for pain relief. In the acute stage, you need to stay in bed absolutely and use a towel to support the scrotum.

3. Traumatic factors

Traumatic orchitis may occur after the testicles are subjected to external forces such as impact and riding injuries. It manifests as severe testicular pain and scrotal congestion immediately after injury. It is necessary to apply ice to the affected area immediately and take celecoxib capsules to relieve the pain. In severe cases, surgery is required to remove the hematoma. Protective underwear should be worn after injury to avoid secondary injury.

4. Spread of urinary tract infection

When urinary system infections such as cystitis and prostatitis are not controlled in time, pathogens may spread to the testicles through the vas deferens. In addition to testicular swelling and pain, it is often accompanied by urinary tract irritation symptoms such as frequent urination and urgency. Treatment requires the combined use of tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules to improve urination, piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium for injection to fight infection, and daily warm water sitz baths to help the inflammation subside.

5. Immune abnormalities

Autoimmune orchitis is related to the body's production of anti-sperm antibodies and manifests as painless swelling of the testicles on both sides and decreased fertility. Antibody testing is required to confirm the diagnosis. For treatment, prednisone tablets can be used to suppress the immune response, combined with vitamin E soft capsules for antioxidants. Such patients should avoid prolonged hot baths and regularly review semen quality.

Patients with orchitis should wear loose cotton underwear and avoid prolonged sitting and strenuous exercise. In the acute stage, the diet should be light and easy to digest, and drinking more water can promote metabolism. During the recovery period, you can eat an appropriate amount of zinc-rich seafood, nuts, etc., but you need to avoid spicy and irritating foods. If you have persistent high fever, testicular suppuration, etc., you need to seek medical treatment immediately to avoid delayed treatment, which may lead to serious consequences such as testicular atrophy or infertility. Daily attention to perineal hygiene and timely urination before and after sex can help prevent the recurrence of infection.