Patient's question:
I am a university teacher, 25 years old, married, and got mumps in June last year. The doctor said it might cause orchitis, but I didn't pay much attention. Recently, while taking a shower, I suddenly noticed that my left testicle had shrunk, and I'm very worried about it affecting future fertility. What does orchitis mean?Doctor's answer:
Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicles caused by bacteria entering through the bloodstream, lymphatic system, or direct spread. The main symptoms include redness and swelling of the scrotal skin, swelling of the testicles, significant tenderness, pain radiating to the groin and perineum, a sensation of heaviness. During acute recurrence, it may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as high fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. If orchitis is not treated properly, it can lead to impaired sperm production. Downward transmission can also cause inflammation of other reproductive organs. It may also result in sexual difficulties, as the engorgement of blood during arousal can cause pain in the inflamed testicles, along with pressure during intercourse.