From the Guidelines
Yes, mumps can cause orchitis, particularly in postpubertal males.
Orchitis in Mumps
- The complication is more common among adults than children, with orchitis occurring in up to 38% of postpubertal men who develop mumps 1.
- However, sterility is thought to occur only rarely as a result of mumps orchitis 1.
- Another study suggests that orchitis may appear in 20%-30% of clinical cases among postpubertal males 1, reinforcing the notion that orchitis is a significant complication of mumps in this demographic.
- It's worth noting that while orchitis can lead to sterility, this outcome is rare 1, indicating that the risk, although present, is relatively low.
From the Research
Mumps and Orchitis
- Mumps can cause orchitis, which is a common complication of the disease, particularly in post-pubertal males 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The incidence of mumps orchitis has been increasing, and it is considered a threat to male fertility 2, 4, 5.
- Mumps orchitis can lead to testicular atrophy, subfertility, and infertility 2, 3, 5.
- The pathogenesis of mumps orchitis is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the immune response to the mumps virus 4.
- Vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent mumps and its complications, including orchitis 2, 4, 5.
- However, there have been rare cases of orchitis reported after vaccination with the MMR vaccine, suggesting a potential immune-mediated mechanism 6.
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
- Mumps orchitis typically presents with pain and swelling of the testis, and can be associated with epididymitis 3, 5.
- Diagnosis is often based on clinical presentation and laboratory tests, including ultrasound and RT-PCR to detect the mumps virus 3, 5.
- Treatment is typically supportive, with analgesia, scrotal support, and hydration, although antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent secondary infection 5.
Complications and Long-term Effects
- Mumps orchitis can lead to significant long-term effects, including testicular atrophy, subfertility, and infertility 2, 3, 5.
- The development of anti-sperm antibodies has also been reported, which can further impact fertility 3.
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for mumps orchitis and its complications, particularly in young adult men who have not been vaccinated against mumps 2, 4, 5.