Symptoms of testicular inflammation

Due to the anatomical proximity of testicles, epididymis, and urinary tract to each other, infections usually spread over several organs. The testis is the end piece, so to speak, in a chain of urethra, vas deferens, epididymis, and testis. Only when any bacteria have passed through the preceding structures do they reach the testes.

Accordingly, inflammation of the testes is usually accompanied by inflammation of the epididymis or urinary tract infections. A singular inflammation of the testes is relatively rare. The symptoms of an inflammation are classic: Swelling of the testicles, redness, pain in the testicles and loss of function.

The pain can vary from a slight pulling in the testicles to a very severe intensity.They usually correlate with the severity of the inflammation and the number of affected organs. In addition, general symptoms such as chills, fatigue, fever, and headaches may also be present. A mumps infection primarily causes inflammation of the parotid gland, and a few days later an inflammation of the testicles.

This process is so specific that it automatically makes one think of a mumps infection. In viral infections, both testicles are affected in only 30 percent of cases. In general, sexual intercourse during infection is relatively painful and should be avoided: In addition to a loss of testicular function, there is also the risk of infecting the partner, so that the partner then also has to deal with a urinary tract infection or an inflammation of the urogenital tract.

Pain is the characteristic symptom of an inflammation of the testicles. Typically, an inflammation is accompanied by the symptoms of redness, overheating, swelling and pain. Thus, pain per se occurs due to the inflammation.

However, the swelling is also a strong pain trigger, especially in the testicles. The testicle is wrapped in a tight capsule. If the inflammation causes a swelling of the testicle, this capsule is very quickly stretched strongly, which in turn is a strong painful rice. The pain can be treated with painkillers in addition to adequate cooling and elevation of the affected testicle. Preparations such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are particularly suitable, as they not only relieve pain but also have an anti-inflammatory effect.