Orchitis Definition, Symptoms and More

By shirley

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Orchitis.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Nov. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orchitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20375860.
• 2. 'Overview of the Male Anatomy.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/overview-of-the-male-anatomy.
• 3. 'Understanding How Testosterone Affects Men.' National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 25 Apr. 2016, www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/understanding-how-testosterone-affects-men.
• 4. 'Orchitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001280.htm.
• 5. Publishing, Harvard Health. 'Epididymitis And Orchitis.' Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/a/to/z/epididymitis-and-orchitis-a-to-z.
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• 8. 'Testicular Torsion.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/testicular-torsion/symptoms-causes/syc-20378270.
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Orchitis occurs when one or both testicles become inflamed and painful.¹‘Orchitis.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Nov. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orchitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20375860. Located inside the scrotum, the testicles produce sperm and the hormone testosterone. Testosterone plays a role in male development, helping to deepen the voice and regulating sex drive, sperm and red blood cell production as well as bone and muscle mass.²‘Overview of the Male Anatomy.’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/overview-of-the-male-anatomy.^,3‘Understanding How Testosterone Affects Men.’ National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 25 Apr. 2016, www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/understanding-how-testosterone-affects-men.

Epididymitis sometimes occurs simultaneously with orchitis. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled structure behind the testicle responsible for sperm storage and transport. When orchitis and epididymitis are both present, the condition is called epididymo-orchitis. Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are the same for all three conditions.¹‘Orchitis.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Nov. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orchitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20375860.

1. Orchitis Symptoms

A person with orchitis usually experiences pain, swelling and a heavy feeling in the affected testicle(s), and the area may appear red and feel warm. They may also have groin pain and swelling, and they may walk with a limp due to the pain. They may notice a clear, white or yellow discharge from the penis. Pain may occur during urination, intercourse or ejaculation, and blood may be present in their semen.

Fever and chills may be present, and the person may feel generally unwell. Nausea and vomiting may also occur.¹‘Orchitis.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Nov. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orchitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20375860.^,2‘Overview of the Male Anatomy.’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/overview-of-the-male-anatomy.^,4‘Orchitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001280.htm.