Orchitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor treats Orchitis?

A urologist, a doctor who treats the male reproductive and urinary systems, usually treats orchitis. Your regular doctor may refer you to one if the problem is serious or does not clear up. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What is orchitis?

Orchitis is swelling (inflammation) of one or both of the testicles. It may also occur along with infections of the prostate or epididymis. When a testicle is also involved in epididymitis, which is swelling of the epididymis, doctors call it epididymo-orchitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Pain in the testicle.
  • A tender, swollen, heavy feeling in the testicle.
  • Swelling of the scrotum.
  • Groin pain, or a tender, swollen groin area on the affected side.
  • Fever.
  • Pain with urination.
  • Pain with intercourse or ejaculation.
  • Blood in the semen.
  • Discharge from the penis.

Causes and who gets it

Orchitis may be caused by an infection. Many kinds of germs can cause it. The most common virus that causes orchitis is mumps. It most often occurs in boys after puberty. It most often starts 4 to 6 days after the mumps begins. A sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, can also cause it. The rate of orchitis spread by sex is higher in men ages 19 to 35.

Risk factors for orchitis caused by an STI include:

  • High-risk sexual behaviors.
  • Multiple sexual partners.
  • A past history of gonorrhea or another STI.
  • A sexual partner with a diagnosed STI.

Risk factors for orchitis not caused by an STI include:

  • Being older than age 45.
  • Long-term use of a Foley catheter.
  • Not being vaccinated against the mumps virus.
  • Urinary tract problems that were present at birth.
  • Repeated urinary tract infections.
  • Surgery of the urinary tract.
  • An enlarged prostate.
  • A urethral stricture, scarring that narrows the urine passage.

How doctors diagnose it

A physical exam may show an enlarged or tender testicle on the affected side. It may also show redness or tenderness of the scrotum. The doctor may also find sore, swollen glands in the groin or a tender prostate.

Tests may include a blood count, a testicular ultrasound, and a urine test. Other tests check for chlamydia and gonorrhea. When one side of the scrotum is suddenly painful and swollen, doctors use an ultrasound mainly to rule out torsion. Torsion is a twisting of the blood vessels to the testicle.

Treatment

Treatment may include:

  • Antibiotics, if bacteria cause the infection.
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines.
  • Pain medicines.
  • Bed rest with the scrotum raised and ice packs on the area.

If gonorrhea or chlamydia is the cause, sexual partners must also be treated. According to MedlinePlus, mumps orchitis has no effective treatment, and the outcome can vary. If bacteria cause orchitis, the right diagnosis and treatment can most often let the testicle recover normally. If the testicle does not return to normal after treatment, you need more tests for testicular cancer.

When to see a doctor

See your health care provider for an exam if you have testicle problems. Get emergency medical help, like calling 911, if you have sudden pain in the testicle. Sudden pain can come from torsion, a twisting of the blood vessels to the testicle. This is a medical emergency that needs immediate surgery. A swollen testicle with little or no pain may be a sign of testicular cancer.

How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine you and help with follow-up visits. They can also refer you to a urologist when needed.

Common questions

Is sudden testicle pain an emergency?

Yes, sudden pain in the testicle can be an emergency. It can be caused by torsion, a twisting of the blood vessels to the testicle, which needs immediate surgery.

Does the mumps virus cause orchitis?

Yes, it can. Mumps is the most common virus that causes orchitis. Some boys who get orchitis caused by mumps will have shrinking of the testicles.

Can orchitis cause infertility?

Yes, it can. Men who have had mumps orchitis can become sterile.

Can orchitis be prevented?

Sometimes it can be prevented. Getting vaccinated against mumps and practicing safer sex behaviors can lower your risk.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus - Orchitis
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Epididymitis (STI Treatment Guidelines)

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.