Orchitis

Orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system. It often causes pain, swelling, and sometimes fever. This condition can affect a man's ability to produce sperm and may lead to discomfort during daily activities. The inflammation is usually caused by an infection, such as a virus or bacteria. In some cases, it can occur alongside other infections like mumps. The testicles are important for producing hormones and sperm, so orchitis can impact both fertility and hormone levels.

Orchitis is defined as inflammation of the testicular tissue, typically caused by infectious agents such as viruses (notably the mumps virus) or bacteria (including Escherichia coli and Neisseria gonorrhoeae). The pathophysiology involves infiltration of inflammatory cells leading to testicular edema, pain, and potential tissue damage. It is clinically significant due to its potential to cause testicular atrophy, infertility, and chronic pain if untreated. Viral orchitis often presents after systemic viral illness, whereas bacterial orchitis is frequently associated with urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections. Diagnosis is important to differentiate from other causes of acute scrotum such as testicular torsion. The condition primarily affects the male reproductive system and can have systemic symptoms like fever and malaise.