Question 1

What is Orchitis?

Accepted Answer

Orchitis is inflammation of one or both testicles that causes pain and swelling. It is primarily caused by the mumps virus, though bacterial infections from sexually transmitted organisms like Chlamydia trachomatis and Escherichia coli can also trigger it. The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Immunity Profile is the most important test for diagnosing mumps-related orchitis.

Question 2

What causes orchitis?

Accepted Answer

Orchitis is caused primarily by the mumps virus, which accounts for the majority of viral orchitis cases in unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated males. Bacterial causes include sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, as well as urinary tract bacteria such as Escherichia coli that travel through the bloodstream or urinary system to the testicles. In some cases, orchitis develops as a complication of epididymitis, where infection spreads from the epididymis to the testicle itself.

Question 3

What is the best test for orchitis?

Accepted Answer

The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Immunity Profile is the most important test for orchitis because it detects antibodies against the mumps virus, the leading viral cause of testicular inflammation in adult males. This comprehensive panel measures IgG antibodies that indicate whether you have immunity from past infection or vaccination, and can reveal if elevated mumps antibodies suggest a recent infection triggering your symptoms. For additional confirmation, the Mumps Virus Antibody (IgG) test provides focused detection of mumps-specific antibodies to help determine if mumps is the underlying cause of your orchitis.

Question 4

When should I get tested for orchitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience sudden testicular pain and swelling, especially if accompanied by fever, nausea, or recent exposure to someone with mumps. Testing is particularly important for adult males who develop testicular symptoms within two weeks of mumps-like symptoms such as swollen salivary glands, fever, or muscle aches. If you have not received the MMR vaccine or are unsure of your vaccination status and develop testicular inflammation, immediate testing can identify whether mumps is the cause and guide treatment to prevent complications like infertility or testicular atrophy.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of orchitis?

Accepted Answer

Orchitis symptoms include sudden onset of testicular pain and swelling in one or both testicles, often accompanied by tenderness and a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. You might notice fever, chills, nausea, and general body aches, particularly if the orchitis is caused by mumps virus. Other signs include blood in the semen, painful urination, discharge from the penis if a bacterial infection is present, and visible redness or warmth in the scrotal skin over the affected testicle.

Question 6

Who is at risk for orchitis?

Accepted Answer

Men who have not received the MMR vaccine are at highest risk for mumps-related orchitis, particularly those between ages 15 and 35. Sexually active men who do not use barrier protection face increased risk of bacterial orchitis from STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Additional risk factors include having recurrent urinary tract infections, anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract, use of a urinary catheter, and engaging in sexual activity with multiple partners without protection.

Question 7

What happens if orchitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated orchitis can lead to testicular atrophy where the affected testicle shrinks and loses function, potentially resulting in reduced testosterone production and fertility problems. Chronic orchitis may develop, causing persistent pain and discomfort that lasts for months or years. In severe cases, complications include abscess formation within the testicle requiring surgical drainage, permanent infertility if both testicles are affected, and rarely, loss of the testicle due to severe infection or tissue death.

Question 8

Can orchitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Orchitis is primarily diagnosed through physical examination, but blood tests play a crucial supporting role in identifying the underlying cause. The MMR Immunity Profile and Mumps Virus Antibody tests detect antibodies that indicate whether mumps virus is responsible for the testicular inflammation. Blood tests can also reveal elevated white blood cell counts suggesting infection and help rule out other conditions. While blood work does not directly visualize the inflamed testicle like ultrasound does, it provides essential information about viral or bacterial causes that guide treatment decisions.

Question 9

How is orchitis treated?

Accepted Answer

Orchitis treatment depends on the underlying cause, with bacterial orchitis requiring antibiotics such as doxycycline or ceftriaxone for STI-related infections, or fluoroquinolones for urinary tract bacteria. Viral orchitis from mumps has no specific antiviral treatment and is managed with supportive care including rest, scrotal elevation with supportive underwear, ice packs to reduce swelling, and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and inflammation. Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics or surgical intervention if an abscess develops.

Question 10

How can I prevent orchitis?

Accepted Answer

Prevention starts with receiving the MMR vaccine, which provides strong protection against mumps-related orchitis throughout your life. Practicing safe sex by using condoms consistently reduces your risk of bacterial orchitis from sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Regular STI screening if you are sexually active, prompt treatment of urinary tract infections, maintaining good genital hygiene, and avoiding sexual contact during active infections all help prevent orchitis. If you are exposed to someone with mumps and lack immunity, contact your healthcare provider immediately for possible preventive measures.

Question 11

What can I do at home for orchitis?

Accepted Answer

At-home care for orchitis includes resting with your scrotum elevated on a rolled towel or by wearing supportive underwear to reduce swelling and discomfort. Apply cold packs wrapped in a thin cloth to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily to decrease inflammation and pain. Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen as directed to manage pain and reduce swelling. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and sexual activity until symptoms resolve, and stay well-hydrated to support your immune system while your body fights the infection.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Orchitis Blood Test

What is Orchitis?

What causes orchitis?

What is the best test for orchitis?

When should I get tested for orchitis?

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