The symptoms of testicular inflammation vary depending on the cause of the infection. If the infection is caused by viruses, there will be swelling and pain in the testicle area within a few hours. Touching, tight clothing and movement can also cause discomfort. The testicles may also be reddened.
Bacterial testicular inflammation also causes redness and painful swelling of the affected testicle. Unlike a viral infection, however, the symptoms develop over the course of several days. Very often, the epididymis is also affected in this form of the disease.
Symptoms of testicular inflammation are pain, swelling and redness of the testicles @ Андрей Михайлов /AdobeStock
Inflammation isusually caused by viruses, but sometimes also by bacteria. These enter the testicles via the bloodstream or via neighboring structures.
Very rarely, testicular inflammation can also be caused by violence during an injury.
Viruses that can cause testicular inflammation include
- Paramyxoviruses (the causative agent of mumps, the most common trigger of testicular inflammation)
- Epstein-Barr virus (pathogen that causes mononucleosis)
- Influenza virus (flu virus)
- Varicella virus (causative agent of chickenpox)
LCM virus (causative agent of lymphocytic choriomeningitis, an inflammation of the meninges transmitted by rodents)
The following bacterial diseases or pathogens can lead to testicular inflammation:
- Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
- epididymitis
- syphilis
- gonorrhea
- A streptococci (trigger of scarlet fever)
- Pneumococci (especially in children, causative agent of pneumonia and salmonella)
Inflammation is usually relatively easy to diagnose based on the external appearance of the testicles. A physical examination by the doctor often reveals that the painful testicles are swollen and hard.
Characteristically, the pain subsides as soon as the doctor lifts the testicle. This is known as the Prehn's sign.
A blood test is also carried out , which shows higher levels of inflammation in those affected.
This includes
- An increased number of leukocytes (white blood cells)
- A higher CRP value (protein value that increases in the blood when there is inflammation)
The blood test can also provide information about the trigger.
In some cases, it is difficult to differentiate testicular inflammation from other possible diseases.
This is because similar symptoms can occur with epididymitis, testicular tumors or a rotation of the testicle around its longitudinal axis (testicular torsion). In this case, an ultrasound examination is useful in order to make a more precise diagnosis.
However, sometimes even this cannot prove with certainty whether a rotation of the testicle is responsible for the symptoms. In this case, doctors must surgically expose the testicle in order to find the exact cause of the symptoms.
This is particularly important in the case of testicular torsion, as this is a medical emergency. You should have it treated immediately.
The subsequent treatment of testicular inflammation varies depending on whether bacteria or viruses are responsible.
Comparison of healthy and inflamed testicles @ Dee-sign /AdobeStock
The treatment of orchitis caused by viruses includes measures that alleviate the symptoms.
These include
- Bed rest
- Elevation of the testicles
- Cooling the testicles
- Painkillers
- Anti-inflammatory medication
As mumps viruses are the most common cause of testicular inflammation, a preventive vaccination against mumps is recommended.
In the case of testicular inflammation caused by bacteria, doctors use the same measures to alleviate symptoms as for the viral form. In addition, antibiotics are usually used.#
In rare cases, surgery is necessary if:
- The testicles are very swollen due to the inflammation or
- Purulent abscesses have formed
During surgery, doctors then cut out infectious foci to minimize the strain on the testicles.
In most cases, testicular inflammation heals after about a week without any further consequences. However, complications can sometimes occur. This occurs in particular if the testicle is repeatedly inflamed or is not treated adequately.
The inflammation can then spread to the epididymis or form abscesses. In most cases, sperm production is impaired for several months after testicular inflammation. However, they usually recover.
In some cases, the swelling and pressure can lead to the destruction of testicular tissue. This leads to dwindling germ tissue in the testicles, which can result in reduced testicular function.
If both testicles are affected, this can lead to impaired fertility. The reduction in sperm production is permanent.
However, complete inability to conceive due to testicular inflammation is very rare.
