How long does testicular inflammation last?

introduction

A testicular inflammation describes an infectious inflammation of the testicles (Latin orchitis), which is often triggered by viruses. Most of the time, the inflammation also spreads to the epididymis (Latin: epididymitis), so that an exact delineation of the inflammation is not possible.

Inflammation of the testicles causes severe pain, swelling and redness. If testicular inflammation is suspected, a doctor should be consulted, as otherwise the testicle may lose function.

How long does a testicular infection last?

The duration of the illness depends on the pathogen that triggered the inflammation and the response to the therapy. Another important aspect is when to see the doctor. If you have waited longer and the inflammation has spread, it will take longer to heal.

The most common causative agent of testicular inflammation (Latin: orchitis) is the mumps virus. Antibiotics do not work here and only general measures and anti-inflammatory therapy help. It usually takes seven to ten days for the symptoms to go away. The disease persists in about one percent of patients and the testicle loses its function. The patients become sterile as a result. Bacterial testicular inflammation, on the other hand, can be treated well with antibiotics. If the antibiotic responds, the disease disappears within a few days.

If the inflammation cannot be successfully treated and continues to spread or an abscess (collection of pus) forms, surgical repair may be necessary. In this case, the healing time is also extended. It can take several weeks.

Find out all about the topic here: The inflammation of the testicles.

The duration of the symptoms

The duration of symptoms depends on the duration of the illness. If the course is uncomplicated, the duration is about seven to ten days. The symptoms then subside.

The testicular inflammation is initially noticeable through unspecific symptoms such as fever and fatigue. These symptoms appear one to two days earlier and represent the beginning of the disease. As the disease progresses, the testicle becomes red, swollen and painful. The redness and swelling may persist even for a few days after healing, as the surrounding tissue has been irritated by the inflammation and has retained water. The severe pain subsides as soon as the therapy works and the inflammation recedes.

Even after successful treatment, there is limited sperm production. This lasts a few weeks and disappears again after the testicle has completely regenerated.

With complicated courses, the symptoms can be present for much longer. Other symptoms, such as difficulty urinating, may also occur.

This article might also interest you: What are the causes of testicular inflammation?

The duration of the pain

As previously described, the duration of the pain depends on the duration of the illness. On average, this takes about seven to ten days.

The testicle is a sensitive organ that is supplied by numerous nerves. The inflammatory reaction leads to irritation of these nerves, which causes severe pain. If the treatment is successful, the pain is reduced and disappears completely when it heals. The patient does not have to endure this severe pain. For this, he can have his doctor prescribe pain medication.

The duration of the swelling

The duration of the swelling usually lasts a little longer. The swelling can persist for a few days even after successful treatment.

Inflammation of the testicle leads to a reaction in the tissues. Various messenger substances are released, which expand the vessels and increase their permeability. This is important so that more immune defense cells can get to the site of the inflammation. However, the increased vascular permeability also leads to an increased accumulation of water. The accumulation of water is then noticeable in the form of swelling of the testicle. After the inflammation has been treated, the body still needs some time to remove the excess water.

Also read the article: The testicular swelling.

The duration of antibiotic use

The duration of antibiotic intake is about ten to fourteen days and varies depending on the antibiotics administered. If antibiotic therapy ceftriaxone and doxycycline is carried out, the medication should be taken for at least ten days. If the symptoms are severe, we recommend taking it for fourteen days.
If you have received the antibiotic ofloxacin for therapy, the duration of use is ten days. In therapy with levofloxacin, this is carried out for fourteen days.

However, if the testicular inflammation does not heal and complications develop, the duration of antibiotic use can be extended. However, this is decided and adapted individually.

The length of the sick leave

It is important to keep bed rest if you have testicular inflammation. In addition, the testicles should be raised and cooled. In order to be able to carry out these treatment measures consistently, the patient should be on sick leave for at least seven days. If the symptoms persist and the fever persists, another sick leave should be issued.

If there is a suspicion of a complicated course or additional inflammation of the epididymis, the sick leave can be issued for a longer period from the beginning.

Also read the Treatment of testicular inflammation.