Mumps is an infectious disease caused by the family virus Paramyxoviridaewhich settles in the salivary glands and leads to the development of the characteristic symptoms of the disease, such as swelling and pain in the face, as well as pain when swallowing and opening the mouth and fever.
However, in the case of men, in addition to affecting the salivary glands, the virus can reach the testicular glands. This happens because these glands have physiological similarities between them and that is why the disease can “descend” to the testicles.
When this happens, inflammation occurs in the testicles called orchitis, which destroys the germinal epithelium of the testicles, the place where sperm production occurs, which ends up causing infertility in men.
Thus, the main complications of mumps for humans are:
1. Orchitis
Orchitis corresponds to inflammation of the testicles and, when it is related to mumps, symptoms may appear about 7 days after the swelling of the face. Some of the symptoms that indicate “mumps descent” into the testicles are:
- Ejaculation and urine with blood;
- Pain and swelling in the testicles;
- Nodule in testicles;
- Fever;
- Malaise and discomfort;
- Excessive sweating in the testicle region;
- Feeling that your testicles are hot.
It is important that as soon as signs and symptoms of changes in the testicle are noticed, a urologist is consulted, as this way it is possible to start treatment immediately and prevent infertility. See more about orchitis.
2. Infertility
Infertility is one of the consequences of mumps that affects the testicles, as this is where sperm production occurs. Therefore, if there is inflammation at the site, there is interference with the production of viable sperm, resulting in infertility.
Any child or man who has had symptoms of mumps in the testicles has a chance of suffering from infertility, even when the treatment recommended by the doctor to treat the disease has been carried out. Therefore, it is recommended that all men who have had mumps in the testicles and who have difficulty getting pregnant undergo tests to assess infertility.
The diagnosis of infertility can arise in adulthood, when a man tries to have children, through a spermogram, an exam that analyzes the quantity and quality of sperm produced. Understand how the spermogram is done.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of mumps in men and its complications is carried out in a similar way to the treatment for common mumps, in which rest, hydration, a softer and softer diet and the use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, are indicated. for example. Check out more details about mumps treatment.
In addition, the doctor may also recommend applying cold compresses to the testicle region to help relieve pain and swelling in the area.
How to prevent
The best way to prevent mumps, also known as mumps or infectious parotitis, is to avoid contact with other individuals infected with the disease, as this disease is spread by inhaling droplets of saliva or spittle from infected people. Learn more about mumps and transmission.
Furthermore, to prevent mumps, it is recommended that children from 12 months of age take the MMR vaccine, which protects the body against the disease and its complications. This vaccine also protects the body from other common infectious diseases, such as measles and rubella. In adults, the attenuated mumps vaccine is recommended to protect against the disease.
