What is Orchitis?- Symptoms Causes and Its Ayurvedic Management

Abstract

Testis are the main reproductive organ of the male body. Sometimes the testis get inflamed due to various factors and the term is called orchitis. Spermatogenesis occurs in the testis. Therefore these are vital structures for reproduction. Orchitis mainly affects men between the age of 14 to 35. The most common cause of orchitis is infection due to various infective organisms. The symptoms include pain and tenderness in the affected testicle. In the following text we shall discuss the disease in some detail and also the treatment of the same. Let's have a look!!

Introduction

Orchitis in literal terms means inflammation of a testicle or both the testis. As the testis and epididymis lie next to each other, therefore it is hard to differentiate if the testis or epididymis or both are inflamed. Hence the term 'epididymo-orchitis' is often used. It is mainly caused through bacteria that reach the testis by blood from other organs. It can also be caused by virus and sexually treansmitted infections and infection acqiuered after surgical procedures. Early management is necessary as in the late cases of orchitis, spermatogenesis is hampered and results in infertility or low sperm count and the quality of the sperms also deteriorates. The disease is best correlated with the 'Vridhi' roga, that is the enlargement of phalakosha (scrotum). And among Vridhi roga, particularly pittaja condition is best matched with orchitis. So it can be said that orchitis is caused by vitiated pitta dosha. According to Yogratnakar , kurandaroga is a similar condition, but it is a term used for paediatric conditions.

Causes of orchitis

1. Trauma can cause inflammation of the testis
2. Infectious mononucleosis is another cause of the aforesaid condition
3. Urinary tract infection by E Coli
4. Gonococci infection is another cause for orchitis.
5. Pyogenic bacteria causes painful orchitis
6. Surgical intervention like Prostatectomy etc can lead to urinary tract infection
7. Epididymitis can cause orchitis as both epididymis and testis lie next to each other
8. Catheterization is the main cause of urinary tract infection
9. Tuberculosis and brucellosis through blood flow can reach the testis and cause inflammation.
10. The mumps virus (now uncommon cause as MMR vaccine is routinely given in children)
11. Schistosomiasis which is a tropical infectious disease can cause epididymo-orchitis.
12. Medicine named 'Amiodarone' has a side effect that causes orchitis.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Insidious onset of unilateral pain in scrotal region and swelling.
2. There can be burning micturition and dysuria (pain during urination), urgency.
3. Fever and chills are common.
4. There is no nausea or vomiting as in case of testicular torsion
5. Discharge from the penile meatus prior to acute orchitis.
6. Loss of libido
7. Infertility at a later stage.

Clinical manifestation

Diagnostic evaluation

1. Medical history is important.
2. Physical examination shows tender and enlarged testicles on the affected side.
3. Complete blood count may show some infectious changes. It may show leukocytosis and elevated ESR.
4. Urine routine and culture (initial stream , mid stream, and after prostate massage)
5. Urethral smear for gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
6. Ultrasonography of the scrotum may reveal inflammation and fluid (if present).
7. STI screening.

Management

1. Warm and cold compresses to reduce inflammation.
2. Scrotal support and elevation is of some help.
3. Ice packs.
4. Rest and fluid intake should be increased.

Medical Management

1. Anti inflammatory to reduce tenderness and swelling eg ibuprofen.
2. Broad spectrum antibiotic therapy
3. Antipyretic medications
4. Mumps vaccine
5. Gamma globulin in patients who are exposed to mumps.

Surgical Intervention

1. Aspiration of the fluid if the associated hydrocele condition in order to decrease pressure on the testicle.
2. Surgical tapping is indicated if the edema persists, as it decreases the chance of testicular atrophy.
3. Surgical excision of testis (orchiectomy) is indicated in severe cases.

Herbal Remedies for Orchitis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a famous GMP certified, ISO 9001:2015 certified and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company, which clings to the goal of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic medicines as described in the various ancient texts of Ayurveda. Medicines are prepared without additives and preservatives and other kinds of chemicals or artificial flavouring substances which have many side effects on the health. formulations prepared at Planet Ayurveda are pure and free of any adulteration. Planet Ayurveda has manufactured following products using the herbs beneficial for the urinary and reproductive systems.

Following is the list of formulations that are going to be useful in managing orchitis and its related symptoms.

1. Gokshuradi Guggul
2. Septrin tablets
3. Mahamanjisthaghan Ghanvati
4. Punarnava capsules
5. Boswellia curcimin

1. Gokshuradi Guggul

It contains numerous herbs which work for the betterment of the reproductive system. Ingredients of the formulation include gokshura ( Tribulus terrestris), black pepper ( Piper nigrum), guggulu ( Commiphora mukul), shunthi ( Zingiber officinale), pippali ( Piper longum), mustak ( Cyperus rotundus), amla ( Emblica officinale), bibhitaki ( Terminalia bellirica), haritaki ( Terminalia chebula). These herbs alleviates pain due to orchitis. Further it helps in managing urinary tract infections and other infectious conditions related to the reproductive system and urinary tract system. Moreover it improves the overall wellness of the two systems.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day after meals with plain water.

2. Septrin Tablets

The formulation is a blend of various herbs including guggul ( Commiphora mukul). Haridra ( Curcuma longa), tulsi ( Ocimum sanctum), sonth ( Zingiber officinale), marich ( Piper nigrum), pippali ( Piper longum). These herbs have anti inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, analgesic properties. Therefore it is the best formulation for orchitis. As it reduces inflammation and pain. Also is beneficial in fighting disease causing pathogens. Septrin tablets are a miracle.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day after meals with plain water.

3. Mahamanjisthaghan vati

It contains Manjistha ( Rubia cordifolia). It is the kwath ghan of manjishtha. It has anti-inflammatory properties. It also has healing power. It also has a soothing effect on the urinary mucosa and overall reproductive system. As it pacifies pitta dosha.Therefore it is beneficial in Orchitis.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day after meals with plain water.

4. Punarnava Capsules

Capsules contain punarnava ( Boerhavia diffusa) extract. It has diuretic properties therefore it kicks out disease causing agents such as bacterias and viruses by increased urine output. It clears the urinary tract by increasing urinary frequency. Furthermore, it is beneficial in reducing the inflammation of the testis.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day after meals with plain water.

5. Boswellia Curcumin

It is filled with the goodness of Shallaki ( Boswellia serrata) and Haridra ( Curcuma longa). It is anti-inflammatory and has analgesic and antiseptic properties which are required to treat the inflammatory condition of the teticle/testis and also the cause behind the inflammation.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day after meals with plain water.

Conclusion

As we have discussed Orchitis with its causes and treatment in both contemporary as well as Ayurvedic systems of medicines. In males, both the reproductive and urinary systems are in proximity therefore the infection spreads from each other at a fast rate. Furthermore, the treatment of the aforesaid disease is needed at emergency level because of its complication of infertility. Above mentioned products are enriched with properties that are required to treat orchitis. Products work impeccably in managing the disease with its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial, antifungal activities. Planet Ayurveda's products are providing relief from many issues of the reproductive and urinary system. Planet Ayurveda and its formulations are successfully providing healthy life to its patients.