Is Orchitis A Progressive Disease & Alternative Treatments For It?

Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicle and perhaps a very painful condition. It potentially infects the male genitals and can occur due to viral or non-viral causes. They are typically triggered by sexually transmitted infections. It also can be a progression of epididymitis, a bacterial inflammation of the tube that stores and carries sperms out of the testicles.

The initial symptoms involve fever, nausea followed by painful urination accompanied by blood in your urine or semen.

The disorder usually results from widespread infection of the urinary tract, which follows from the bladder to the male gonads. The most frequent cause of viral orchitis is mumps. Approximately one-third of boys will acquire orchitis from mumps disease. It is most common in young boys, and testicular infection usually develops 5-7 days after the inception of mumps.

In the United States, it is projected that there are 600,000 incidents of this illness every year, developing most frequently in the 20-36-year-old age group. Most occurrences of this condition are due to unprotected sexual intercourse and an immoral sexual habit. This infection is primarily caused by bacteria that is often transmitted through sexual intercourse.¹

Orchitis is most common in patients with concurrent epididymitis, and the causative pathogens. These patients will usually develop a warning sign following a urinary tract infection, unprotected sexual intercourse or urological surgery requiring catheter insertion.

Orchitis patients undergo progressive pain and a size enlargement of the testicle since the onset of the condition. Medical studies were conducted on a 37-year-old male who had a 3-day history of progressive left testicular pain. An ultrasound was performed to rule out other infections however the report showed no abnormalities of testicular torsion. Therefore, the patient was discharged without further analysis.

The condition worsened, and the patient was re-admitted with excruciating pain. Persistent scans were done, and the report showed that the penile arterial diastolic flow has reversed, a typical symptom of testicular infarction.

Testicular infections are generally treated through antibiotics before the condition makes any progression. When orchitis progresses, it can lead to further complications and in worst cases, can result in greater morbidity and testicular loss. In epididymo-orchitis, the symptoms are similar and may develop quickly or improve more progressively.^{2, 3}

For most viral conditions, there is no cure and the most effective strategy is to prevent them before it starts. This is often done by appropriate vaccination. After the onset of infection, there is no effective treatment to treat orchitis.

Several supportive treatments are recommended to reduce pain and inflammation

Pain Relief- This is mostly accomplished with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). As a rule, kids are not advised to take aspirin and people with certain medical conditions should not take NSAIDs.

Home Remedies – To ease some pain try to lie down in bed in a manner that improves the scrotum. Involve in safer sex, such as having a single sexual partner and using a condom this is often effective for defending against sexually transmitted infections.

Ice Packs- To relieve swelling and to ease pain, ice packs are very helpful, however, don’t apply ice packs directly on the skin because it is most likely to cause burns from freezing. Ice packs are generally applied by wrapped in the thin cloth and placed on the scrotum in regular intervals, several times a day.^4,5

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Also Read:

• 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
• What Is The Best Treatment For Orchitis & Coping Methods For It?
• How To Diagnose Orchitis & What Is The Best Medicine For It?
• How Dangerous Is Orchitis & Is It Contagious?
• What Leads To Orchitis & Can It Be Cured?
• What Is The Prognosis For Orchitis & Lifestyle Changes For It?