What is orchitis ?

An orchitis is often the result of another disease.
The orchitis is an inflammation of the testicle. In contrast to the epididymal inflammation is a primary testicular inflammation is not an ascending infection of the urinary tract, but part-time or as a consequence of other diseases. The germs do not enter via the urine, but through the blood to the testicles. The most common mumps orchitis, the epididymis-orchitis and granulomatous orchitis (cf. granulomatous inflammation) are. Go ahead predominantly viral illnesses, such as influenza, glandular fever and mumps in particular. In up to 30 percent of mumps orchitis occurs after puberty on both sides.


The symptoms can be different depending on the cause.
The groundbreaking is the symptom of orchitis testicular swelling. According to the previous or concomitant disease may occur additional different complaints. When mumps orchitis occurs quickly in addition to fever, redness and swelling and pain. In the course of the disease granulomatous orchitis is slower. The symptoms resemble those of a Urinary tract infection with burning pain on urination, pollakiuria (frequent urination), nocturia (nighttime urination), strangury (not suppressible urination), hematuria (blood in). In the epididymis-orchitis, the symptoms of epididymitis which are comparable.


Emergency compartment syndrome.
Pronounced swelling at the risk of so-called compartment syndrome. For a herniation of the testis within its own covers is meant. This leads to an increase in pressure and constriction of the blood supply, leading to the testicles down. This then develops an insufficient supply of blood. This situation is a real emergency that requires immediate attention, as this will cause one to develop testicular degeneration.


The tests rule out other diseases.
In addition to a thorough physical examination, which includes the inspection and palpation of the testis, showing the typical changes in laboratory tests. When mumps orchitis, the diagnosis is confirmed by the detection of specific IgM antibodies. In the granulomatous orchitis testicular biopsy is necessary, is scrutinized in the testicular tissue. It is important to rule out a tumor. An ultrasound examination is also necessary to rule out testicular torsion as a cause of symptoms.


There is currently no standard therapy for mumps orchitis.
Treatment depends on the cause of orchitis. When mumps orchitis there is still no standard treatment. Controversial is the gift of mumps hyperimmune globulin. Enters the mumps orchitis after puberty, so make recommendations to therapy with alpha interferon. Even the administration of corticosteroids is controversial.


Concomitant therapy relieves the symptoms.
When a bacterial infection is treated with antibiotics. General, measures should be cooled and elevation of the testicle and pain medications are used. With the emergence of a compartment syndrome must be immediate surgical relief by the testes sheath is incised.


The testicular abscess be opened early.
Forms an abscess, the skin of the scrotum above the abscess is painful, reddish shiny, smooth and feels paper thin. If left untreated, the abscess breaks after some time by yourself, at this stage of the testes is then no longer be saved and must be removed. In the early stage, the abscess drained and the maintenance of germ cell tissue can be guaranteed. In the granulomatous orchitis there is no conservative therapy. This must be removed on the affected side of the testicle on one side.