Orchitis refers to the inflammation of only one or both testicles. The problem takes place because of a virus or bacteria. In severe conditions, Orchitis may affect both of the testicles in men even though you may experience symptoms in only one testicle. This type of testicular inflammation has a close relationship with the virus of mumps.
Pain in the groin and testicles is the major symptom related to Orchitis. You may also experience-
- Tenderness or pain in the scrotum area
- Pain during ejaculation and urination
- Swelling in the scrotum area
- Presence of blood within the semen
- Enlarged prostate
- Abnormal discharge
- Fever
- Swelling in the lymph nodes present in the groin.(1)
Can Chlamydia Cause Orchitis?
Orchitis in some cases may take place because of a sexually transmitted type of infection or disease referred to as Chlamydia or gonorrhea. Chlamydia is a type of bacterial infection and it takes place from the bacteria named Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads usually because of sexual contact. The rate of causing Orchitis, especially the sexually transmitted one is high among men from 19 years to 35 years age.
Risk Factors Based On Chlamydia
Common risk factors associated with the sexually transmitted type of Orchitis are-
- An unprotected or high-risk type of sexual behaviors
- Involve in sexual activity with multiple sexual partners
- Personal history associated with chlamydia, gonorrhea or any other type of sexually transmitted infection
- Involved in sexual activity with a person diagnosed with the sexually transmitted infection.(2)
Can Orchitis Cause Low Testosterone?
Whether Orchitis may reduce the level of testosterone depends on its complications. Accordingly, Orchitis takes place whenever there is an infection in the epididymis as an important part of epididymo orchitis.
Whenever the infection involves the testes only, it causes orchitis. However, in some cases, Orchitis may take place because of mumps virus infection, while rarely cause due to other infections. Approximately 20% to 25% of men, who suffered from mumps in the past develop the problem of Orchitis. In most of the cases, Orchitis due to mumps takes place in boys below 10 years age.
Orchitis affects either one or both of the testes in men. If we talk about long-term consequences, the problem may force testis to shrink. However, Orchitis never reduces the production of testosterone i.e. a type of male hormone. In contrast, it may diminish male’s fertility, especially, when it takes place in both of the testes post-puberty. However, the condition of infertility due to Orchitis is rare.(3)
Conclusion
To conclude, we should say that Orchitis in some cases takes place because of Chlamydia trachomatis or simply Chlamydia. However, if we talk about complications of Orchitis, even though may affect one or both testes in men, it does not reduce the testosterone levels.
Also Read:
- Can Chlamydia Come Back After Being Treated?
- Can Chlamydia Turn Into Another STD?
- Can Your Body Fight Off Chlamydia Naturally?
- What is Epididymo-Orchitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Who is at Risk, Diagnosis
- Orchitis (Bacterial & Viral): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Complications, Prevention, Tips to Cope
- Testicular Infection: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prognosis, Diagnosis
