The testicles, also referred to as the testes, are glands located in the scrotum of a male. The testes produce and store sperm as well as produce testosterone. Orchitis is an infection involving one or both of the testes. This infection causes symptoms such as pain and swelling in the scrotum, a fever, blood in the semen and painful urination, according to the Merck Manuals. Treatment for orchitis depends on the cause. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help relieve pain and swelling due to a viral infection while bacterial causes require antibiotics.
Epididymitis
The most common cause of orchitis is a bacterial infection of the epididymis, also referred to as epididymitis, according to MayoClinic.com. The epididymis is a coiled tube that connects the testicle to the vas deferens, which carries the sperm to the prostate gland. Epididymitis is common in males in their 20s and 30s. Because of the vicinity of the epididymis to the testes, the testicles develop an infection due to the epididymitis. Causes of epididymitis include sexually transmitted diseases, an enlarged prostate and urinary tract infections.
Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that can cause orchitis. The viral infection causes inflammation in the salivary glands that causes large cheeks, a fever, muscle aches and a headache. Males over the age of 10, especially after puberty, have an increased risk of developing orchitis with a mumps infection, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The symptoms of orchitis occur about four to six days after the symptoms of mumps begin. The mumps may cause infertility due to a decrease in sperm production from the infection, according to the Merck Manuals.
Brucellosis
Brucellosis is an infection caused by a bacteria called brucella. This rare infection occurs after eating meat from animals, such as pigs, goats, cattle and dogs, contaminated with the bacteria. The bacterial infection causes symptoms such as a headache, decreased appetite, joint pain and swollen glands. Some glands that may be affected include the testes. Antibiotics will help treat the infection.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Orchitis may occur due to a sexually transmitted disease. Common sexually transmitted diseases include chlamydia and gonorrhea. Younger men, between the ages of 19 and 35, have a higher incidence of developing orchitis due to a sexually transmitted disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Having unprotected sex or sexual relations with multiple partners increases the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to orchitis.
