$Unique_ID{BRK00204}
$Pretitle{
Genitourinary System
Infections or Parasites}
$Title{What's an Orchitis?}
$Subject{testicle infection orchitis}
$Volume{J-22, A-22}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What's an Orchitis?


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QUESTION:  I'm not sure the word is correct, but I have a personal interest in
the condition.  What's an orchitis?

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ANSWER:  It is a relatively uncommon infection of one or both testes.
Orchitis is usually seen in adults and frequently it is one of the more
painful aspects of a mumps infection.  Twenty to thirty percent of mumps
patients get orchitis of one testes about a week after they have contracted
the mumps virus.  However, syphilis and even tuberculosis can bring on this
condition.  A person who suffers from orchitis initially has a sudden high
fever followed by extreme pain in the testicular area, and soon is nauseous
and vomiting.  The scrotal area becomes bright red and filled with an abnormal
amount of fluid.  The infected testis is hard to the touch, swollen and
terribly tender.  (Patients with this condition are notoriously "testy."  Do
you think this is where the adjective comes from?)  Bedrest is recommended
along with some cold packs and perhaps painkillers.  It is best to support the
scrotum by elevating it to relieve pressure upon the testicles.  Antibiotics
can be used if bacteria are identified as the cause of the infection.  In
severe cases, a cortizone drug is prescribed to relieve pain, or surgery is
performed to reduce testicular pressure.  Half of all orchitis victims, whose
condition stems from mumps, lose the function of the infected testicle.
Sterility, however, is rare in spite of this loss.  It is obvious that this is
a serious condition, and a personal interest demands a personal consultation
with your own family physician, to determine the implications for you,
personally.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
