Etymed
orchitis
Definition
Inflammation of one or both testes, most commonly caused by viral infection (mumps) or bacterial infection. Presents with testicular pain, swelling, and tenderness, and may lead to testicular atrophy and infertility.
Clinical context
A 22-year-old unvaccinated male presents with bilateral testicular pain and swelling that began 5 days after the onset of parotitis (parotid gland swelling). He has fever (38.9°C), bilateral tender and edematous testes, and elevated serum amylase. IgM antibodies to mumps virus are positive. The diagnosis is mumps orchitis. He is managed with supportive care including bed rest, scrotal elevation, analgesics, and ice application. He is counseled about the risk of testicular atrophy and potential subfertility, which occurs in approximately 30-50% of cases of bilateral mumps orchitis.
Mnemonic
ORCH (orchid/testis) + ITIS (inflammation) = inflammation of the testis. Fun fact: Orchids are named for the Greek word for testicle (orchis) because their tubers resemble testes. Think: "Orchids look like testes — orchitis is testicular inflammation."