Gonads

The gonads, the primary reproductive organs, are the testes in the male and
the ovaries in the female. These organs are responsible for producing the
sperm and ova, but they also secrete hormones and are considered to
be endocrine glands.

Testes

Male sex hormones, as a group, are called androgens. The

principal androgen is testosterone, which is secreted by the testes. A small
amount is also produced by the adrenal cortex. Production of testosterone
begins during fetal development, continues for a short time after birth, nearly
ceases during childhood, and then resumes at puberty.
This steroid hormone is responsible for:

 The growth and development of the male reproductive structures

 Increased skeletal and muscular growth
 Enlargement of the larynx accompanied by voice changes
 Growth and distribution of body hair
 Increased male sexual drive
Testosterone secretion is regulated by a negative feedback system that
involves releasing hormones from the hypothalamus and gonadotropins from
the anteriorpituitary.

Ovaries
Two groups of female sex hormones are produced in the ovaries, the
estrogens and progesterone. These steroid hormones contribute to the
development and function of the female reproductive organs and sex
characteristics. At the onset of puberty, estrogens promotes:

 The development of the breasts

 Distribution of fat evidenced in the hips, legs, and breast
 Maturation of reproductive organs such as the uterus and vagina
Progesterone causes the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for
pregnancy. Together, progesterone and estrogens are responsible for the
changes that occur in the uterus during the female menstrual cycle.

1. Low sex drive

Testosterone plays a key role in libido (sex drive) in men. Some men may
experience a decline in sex drive as they age. However, someone with low T
will likely experience a more drastic drop in their desire to have sex.

2. Difficulty with erection

While testosterone stimulates a man’s sex drive, it also aids in achieving and
maintaining an erection. Testosterone alone doesn’t cause an erection, but it
stimulates receptors in the brain to produce nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps trigger a series of chemical reactions
necessary for an erection to occur. When testosterone levels are too low, a
man may have difficulty achieving an erection prior to sex or having
spontaneous erections (for example, during sleep).

However, testosterone is only one of many factors that aid in adequate

erections. Research is inconclusive regarding the role of testosterone
replacement in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

In a review of studies that looked at the benefit of testosterone in men with

erection difficulties, nearly halfTrusted Source showed no improvement with
testosterone treatment. Many times, other health problems play a role in
erectile difficulties. These can include:

 diabetes
 thyroid problems
 high blood pressure
 high cholesterol
 smoking
 alcohol use
 depression
 stress
 anxiety

3. Low semen volume

Testosterone plays a role in the production of semen, which is the milky fluid
that aids in the motility of sperm. Men with low T will often notice a decrease
in the volume of their semen during ejaculation.
4. Hair loss
Testosterone plays a role in several body functions, including hair production.
Balding is a natural part of aging for many men. While there is an inherited
component to balding, men with low T may experience a loss of body and
facial hair, as well.

5. Fatigue
Men with low T have reported extreme fatigue and decrease in energy levels.
You might have low T if you’re tired all of the time despite getting plenty of
sleep or if you’re finding it harder to get motivated to exercise.

6. Loss of muscle mass

Because testosterone plays a role in building muscle, men with low T might
notice a decrease in muscle mass. StudiesTrusted Source have shown
testosterone affects muscle mass, but not necessarily strength or function.

7. Increased body fat

Men with low T may also experience increases in body fat. In particular, they
sometimes develop gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue. This effect is
believed to occur due to an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen
within men.

8. Decreased bone mass

Osteoporosis, or the thinning of bone mass, is a condition often associated
with women. However, men with low T can also experience bone loss.
Testosterone helps produce and strengthen bone. So men with low T,
especially older men, have lower bone volume and are more susceptible to
bone fractures.

9. Mood changes
Men with low T can experience changes in mood. Because testosterone
influences many physical processes in the body, it can also influence mood
and mental capacity. ResearchTrusted Source suggests that men with low T
are more likely to face depression, irritability, or a lack of focus.

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10. Affected memory

Both testosterone levels and cognitive functions — particularly memory —
decline with age. As a result, doctors have theorized that lower testosterone
levels could contribute to affected memory.

According to a research study published in the Journal of the American

Medical AssociationTrusted Source, some smaller research studies have
linked testosterone supplementation with improved memory in men with low
levels. However, the study’s authors did not observe memory improvements in
their study of 493 men with low testosterone levels who took testosterone or a
placebo.

11. Smaller testicle size

Low testosterone levels in the body can contribute to smaller-than-average
sized testicles. Because the body requires testosterone to develop the penis
and testicles, low levels could contribute to a disproportionately smaller penis
or testicles compared to a man with normal testosterone levels.

However, there are other causes of smaller-than-normal testicles in addition to

low testosterone levels, so this isn’t always just a low testosterone symptom.

12. Low blood counts

Doctors have linked low testosterone with an increased risk for anemia,
according to a research article in the Journal of the American Medical
AssociationTrusted Source.

When the researchers administered testosterone gel to anemic men who also
had low testosterone, they saw improvements in blood counts compared to
men who used a placebo gel. Some of the symptoms anemia can cause
include problems concentrating, dizziness, leg cramping, problems sleeping,
and an abnormally rapid heart rate.

Testis, plural testes, also called testicle, in animals, the organ that
produces sperm, the male reproductive cell, and androgens, the male
hormones. In humans the testes occur as a pair of oval-shaped organs. They
are contained within the scrotal sac, which is located directly behind
the penis and in front of the anus.

Anatomy Of The Testes

In humans each testis weighs about 25 grams (0.875 ounce) and is 4–5 cm
(1.6–2.0 inches) long and 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 inches) in diameter. Each is
covered by a fibrous capsule called the tunica albuginea and is divided by
partitions of fibrous tissue from the tunica albuginea into 200 to 400 wedge-
shaped sections, or lobes. Within each lobe are 3 to 10 coiled tubules,
called seminiferous tubules, which produce the sperm cells. The partitions
between the lobes and the seminiferous tubules both converge in one area
near the anal side of each testis to form what is called the mediastinum testis.
The testes contain germ cells that differentiate into mature spermatozoa,
supporting cells called Sertoli cells, and testosterone-producing cells
called Leydig (interstitial) cells. The germ cells migrate to the fetal testes from
the embryonic yolk sac. The Sertoli cells, which are interspersed between the
germinal epithelial cells within the seminiferous tubules, are analogous to the
granulosa cells in the ovary, and the Leydig cells, which are located beneath
the tunica albuginea, in the septal walls, and between the tubules, are
analogous to the hormone-secreting interstitial cells of the ovary. The Leydig
cells are irregularly shaped and commonly have more than one nucleus.
Frequently they contain fat droplets, pigment granules, and crystalline
structures; the Leydig cells vary greatly in number and appearance among the
various animal species. They are surrounded by numerous blood and
lymphatic vessels, as well as by nerve fibres.
The embryonic differentiation of the primitive, indifferent gonad into either the
testes or the ovaries is determined by the presence or absence
of genes carried on the Y chromosome. Testosterone and its potent
derivative, dihydrotestosterone, play key roles in the formation of male
genitalia in the fetus during the first trimester of gestation but do not play a
role in the actual formation of the testes. The testes are formed in
the abdominal cavity and descend into the scrotum during the seventh month
of gestation, when they are stimulated by androgens. About 2 percent of
newborn boys have an undescended testis at birth, but this condition often
corrects itself by the age of three months. The production of testosterone by
the fetal testes is stimulated by human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone
secreted by the placenta. Within a few weeks following birth, testosterone
secretion ceases, and the cells within the testes remain undeveloped during
early childhood; during adolescence, gonadotropic hormones from
the pituitary gland at the base of the brain stimulate the development of tissue,
and the testes become capable of producing sperm and androgens.

The seminiferous tubules, in which the sperm are produced, constitute about
90 percent of the testicular mass. In the young male the tubules are simple
and composed of undeveloped sperm-producing cells (spermatogonia) and
the Sertoli cells. In the older male the tubules become branched, and
spermatogonia are changed into the fertile sperm cells after a series of
transformations called spermatogenesis. The Sertoli cells found in both young
and adult males mechanically support and protect the spermatogonia.

Each seminiferous tubule of the adult testis has a central lumen, or cavity,
which is connected to the epididymis and spermatic duct (ductus deferens).
Sperm cells originate as spermatogonia along the walls of the seminiferous
tubules. The spermatogonia mature into spermatocytes, which mature into
spermatids that mature into spermatozoa as they move into the central lumen
of the seminiferous tubule. The spermatozoa migrate, by short contractions of
the tubule, to the mediastinum testis; they are then transported through a
complex network of canals (rete testis and efferent ductules) to the epididymis
for temporary storage. The spermatozoa move through the epididymis and the
spermatic duct to be stored in the seminal vesicles for
eventual ejaculation with the seminal fluid. Normal men produce about one
million spermatozoa daily.
In animals that breed seasonally, such as sheep and goats, the testes regress
completely during the nonbreeding season and the spermatogonia return to
the state found in the young, sexually immature males. Frequently in these
animals the testes are drawn back into the body cavity except in the breeding
season, when they again descend and mature; this process is known
as recrudescence.

Regulation Of Testicular Function

The principal androgen produced by the testes is testosterone. The production
of testosterone by the testes is stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH), which
is produced by the anterior pituitary and acts via receptors on the surface of
the Leydig cells. The secretion of LH is stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing
hormone (GnRH), which is released from the hypothalamus, and
is inhibited by testosterone, which also inhibits the secretion of GnRH. These
hormones constitute the hypothalamic-pituitary-testes axis. When serum
testosterone concentrations decrease, the secretion of GnRH and LH
increase. In contrast, when serum testosterone concentrations increase, the
secretion of GnRH and LH decrease. These mechanisms maintain serum
testosterone concentrations within a narrow range. In addition, the secretion
of GnRH and the secretion of LH must be pulsatile to maintain normal
testosterone production. Continuous administration of GnRH results in a
decrease in the secretion of LH and therefore a decrease in the secretion of
testosterone.
In boys as in girls, puberty begins with the onset of nocturnal pulses of GnRH,
which stimulate pulses of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) and LH. The
testes enlarge and begin to secrete testosterone, which then stimulates the
development of male secondary sexcharacteristics, including facial, axillary,
pubic, and truncal hair growth; scrotal pigmentation; prostatic enlargement;
increased muscle mass and strength; increased libido; and increased linear
growth. Many boys also have transient breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
during puberty. This process starts at age 10 or 11 and is complete between
ages 16 and 18.
Testosterone produced locally in the testes and FSH produced distally in the
pituitary gland stimulate the process of spermatogenesis. Testosterone
inhibits the secretion of FSH, which is also inhibited by inhibin, a polypeptide
hormone produced by the Sertoli cells. Testosterone production and
spermatogenesis decrease very slowly in older men—in contrast to women,
whose ovarian function ceases abruptly at the time of menopause.

Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are bacteria found in the

environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. E. coli are a large
and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless,
others can make you sick. Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while
others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and
other illnesses.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a common bacterial infection that’s spread through sex. Syphilis is easily
cured with antibiotic medicine, but it can cause permanent damage if you don’t get
treated.

Want to get tested for syphilis?

FIND A HEALTH CENTER

Syphilis is serious — but it can be cured.

Syphilis is a really common STD. Syphilis is spread through vaginal,
anal, and oral sex.

Syphilis causes sores on your genitals (called chancres). The sores

are usually painless, but they can easily spread the infection to other
people. You get syphilis from contact with the sores. A lot of people
with syphilis don’t notice the sores and feel totally fine, so they might
not know they have it.

Syphilis can infect your vagina, anus, penis, or scrotum, and

sometimes your lips and mouth. You can help prevent syphilis by
using condoms and/or dental dams every time you have sex.

Syphilis can be easily cured with medication if you treat it early. But
without treatment, it leads to really serious, permanent problems like
brain damage, paralysis, and blindness. That’s why STD testing is so
important — the sooner you know you have syphilis, the faster you
can get rid of it.

How do you get syphilis?

Syphilis is spread from sexual skin-to-skin contact with someone who
has it. You get it when your vulva, vagina, penis, anus, or mouth
touches someone’s syphilis sores — usually during sex. Syphilis can
be spread even if no one cums.

The main ways people get syphilis are from having vaginal
sex and anal sex. It’s less common to get it from having oral sex, but it
can happen. A mother can also pass syphilis to a baby during
pregnancy and childbirth, which can be dangerous.

Syphilis is very easy to give to other people in the beginning, when

there are sores. But lots of people don’t even know they have syphilis
because they don’t notice the sores. Using condoms every time you
have sex is one of the best ways to help prevent syphilis — even if
you and your partner seem totally healthy.

Syphilis isn’t spread through casual contact, so you CAN’T get it from
sharing food or drinks, hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing,
sharing towels, or sitting on toilet seats.
What is gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect both men and
women. It can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It is a very
common infection, especially among young people ages 15-24 years.

How is gonorrhea spread?

You can get gonorrhea by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has
gonorrhea. A pregnant woman with gonorrhea can give the infection to her baby
during childbirth.

How can I reduce my risk of getting gonorrhea?

The only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances
of getting gonorrhea:

 Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner

who has been tested and has negative STD test results;
 Using latex condoms the right way every time you have sex.

Am I at risk for gonorrhea?

Any sexually active person can get gonorrhea through unprotected vaginal, anal,
or oral sex.

If you are sexually active, have an honest and open talk with your health care
provider and ask whether you should be tested for gonorrhea or other STDs. If
you are a sexually active man who is gay, bisexual, or who has sex with men, you
should be tested for gonorrhea every year. If you are a sexually active woman
younger than 25 years or an older woman with risk factors such as new or
multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection,
you should be tested for gonorrhea every year.

I’m pregnant. How does gonorrhea affect my baby?

If you are pregnant and have gonorrhea, you can give the infection to your baby
during delivery. This can cause serious health problems for your baby. If you are
pregnant, it is important that you talk to your health care provider so that you get
the correct examination, testing, and treatment, as necessary. Treating gonorrhea
as soon as possible will make health complications for your baby less likely.

How do I know if I have gonorrhea?

Some men with gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all. However, men who do
have symptoms, may have:

 A burning sensation when urinating;

 A white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis;
 Painful or swollen testicles (although this is less common).

Most women with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms. Even when a woman
has symptoms, they are often mild and can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal
infection. Women with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications
from the infection, even if they don’t have any symptoms.
Symptoms in women can include:

 Painful or burning sensation when urinating;

 Increased vaginal discharge;
 Vaginal bleeding between periods.

Rectal infections may either cause no symptoms or cause symptoms in both men
and women that may include:

 Discharge;
 Anal itching;
 Soreness;
 Bleeding;
 Painful bowel movements.

You should be examined by your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms or if
your partner has an STD or symptoms of an STD, such as an unusual sore, a
smelly discharge, burning when urinating, or bleeding between periods.

Herpes simplex is a viral infection that typically affects the mouth, genitals, or anal area. It is
contagious and can cause outbreaks of sores and other symptoms.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a highly prevalent infection globally, with the
most common type affecting around 3.7 billion people under the age of 50
years. It spreads rapidly through direct contact with a person who carries
HSV. The sexual transmission of some types of HSV is also possible.

The majority of people with HSV will not show any symptoms at all, but they
can still pass on the virus. The symptoms of HSV are typically mild but can
cause discomfort.

HSV can be particularly harmful to those with weakened immune systems,

such as infants.

This article will outline the symptoms of HSV, the different types of the virus,
and how to treat it.

Symptoms

Skin sores are the most common symptom of herpes.

It is common for a person with HSV to have no noticeable symptoms.

However, even without having symptoms, a person can still pass the virus on
to someone else.

When people do experience symptoms, these will usually include sores.

These are blisters that develop on the surface of the skin and may be itchy or
uncomfortable. They can break open and ooze fluid.

Sores can develop anywhere, but they usually occur around the mouth,
genitals, or anus, depending on the type of HSV. Most sores emerge within
the first 20 days after becoming infected and can last around 7 to 10 days.

Other symptoms of HSV can include:

 localized tingling, itching, or burning

 flu-like symptoms

 problems urinating

 eye infections
The symptoms of HSV typically occur in outbreaks that can last between 2
and 6 weeks, depending on the type of HSV. The frequency of these
outbreaks can vary.

Types
There are two main types of HSV:

Herpes simplex virus type 1

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the most common form of HSV. Due to
its constant presence worldwide, the medical community considers HSV-1 to
be an endemic disease.

HSV-1 typically leads to oral herpes, as the vast majority of HSV-1 cases
affect the mouth and its surrounding area. However, it is possible for HSV-1 to
affect other areas of the body, such as the genitals.

HSV-1 often develops during childhood and is a lifelong condition. It can

spread through non-sexual contact with saliva, such as kissing.

Herpes simplex virus type 2

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) spreads through sexual contact and is a
type of sexually transmitted infection (STI).
HSV-2 typically leads to genital herpes, which means that symptoms usually
develop around the genital and anal areas. It is also a lifelong condition, and
symptoms only appear during flare-ups.

Causes

Transmission of HSV-1 can occur from sharing lip balm.

Both types of HSV develop as a result of direct contact with the virus.

HSV-1 most commonly spreads through oral-to-oral contact, which can be

with sores, saliva, or the area around the mouth. Transmission may also occur
due to sharing lip balm, a toothbrush, or any other product that has come into
contact with HSV.

People have a much higher risk of contracting HSV-1 if they come into contact
with someone who has an active outbreak of symptoms. In some cases, it is
also possible for people to transmit HSV-1 during sexual activity.

Transmission of HSV-2 almost always takes place during sexual contact. This
includes any contact with the skin, sores, saliva, or bodily fluids of someone
with HSV-2, and it can occur during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Diagnosis
It is usually possible for doctors to diagnose HSV by carrying out a physical
examination of symptoms during an outbreak. The sores are easy to identify
as a sign of HSV infection.

A doctor will also ask questions about the symptoms. If they suspect HSV-2,
they may ask about a person's sexual health history.
 It is also possible that they will take a sample from a sore. Alternatively, if the
individual does not have symptoms, the doctor can use a blood test to detect
the infection.

Treatment

Applying antiviral creams to sores may relieve itching and discomfort.

Although there is no cure for either type of HSV, symptoms are often not
present, and treatment may not be necessary.

When symptoms do occur, they often resolve without treatment after several
weeks.

Treatments are available to help control symptoms and reduce the frequency
of outbreaks. Some medications can also reduce the risk of transferring HSV
to others.

Antiviral creams or ointments are available for the sores. These treatments
should help relieve the itching, stinging, and discomfort.

Examples of antiviral medications include:

 acyclovir

 famciclovir

 valacyclovir
These medications are also available in the form of a pill or an injection.

Outlook
HSV is a highly prevalent viral infection. It spreads rapidly through direct
contact, and the chances of contracting the virus are relatively high.

In many cases, a person will not experience any symptoms. When symptoms
do occur, they appear in outbreaks. The first outbreak is typically the worst.

There is no cure for HSV, but antiviral treatments can help people manage the
condition.

A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge and
intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva — the tissues at the vaginal
opening.

Also called vaginal candidiasis, vaginal yeast infection affects up to 3 out of 4 women at
some point in their lifetimes. Many women experience at least two episodes.

A vaginal yeast infection isn't considered a sexually transmitted infection. But, there's an
increased risk of vaginal yeast infection at the time of first regular sexual activity.
There's also some evidence that infections may be linked to mouth to genital contact
(oral-genital sex).

Medications can effectively treat vaginal yeast infections. If you have recurrent yeast
infections — four or more within a year — you may need a longer treatment course and
a maintenance plan.

Symptoms

Yeast infection symptoms can range from mild to moderate, and include:

 Itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva

 A burning sensation, especially during intercourse or while urinating

 Redness and swelling of the vulva

 Vaginal pain and soreness

  Vaginal rash

 Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance

 Watery vaginal discharge

Complicated yeast infection

You might have a complicated yeast infection if:

 You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling and
itching that leads to tears, cracks or sores

 You have four or more yeast infections in a year

 Your infection is caused by a less typical type of fungus

 You're pregnant

 You have uncontrolled diabetes

 Your immune system is weakened because of certain medications or conditions

such as HIV infection

What is orchitis?
Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicles. It can be caused by either bacteria
or a virus.

Both testicles may be affected by orchitis at the same time. However, the
symptoms usually appear in just one testicle.

This kind of testicular inflammation is often associated with the mumps virus.

Symptoms and signs of orchitis

Pain in the testicles and groin is the primary symptom of orchitis. You may
also have:

 tenderness in the scrotum

 painful urination
 painful ejaculation
 a swollen scrotum
 blood in the semen
 abnormal discharge
 an enlarged prostate
 swollen lymph nodes in the groin
 a fever

Causes of orchitis
A virus or bacteria can cause orchitis.

The most common cause of viral orchitis is the mumps. Mumps is a viral
childhood disease that’s rare in the United States due to effective
immunization programs. The Mayo Clinic estimates that 33 percent of men
who get the mumps as teens also develop orchitis. Viral orchitis related to the
mumps develops anywhere from four to 10 days after the salivary glands
swell. Salivary gland swelling is a symptom of the mumps.

Bacterial infection can also lead to orchitis in males. Urinary tract

infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such
as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and a related condition called epididymitis can result
in orchitis, too. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis. This is the
tube that stores sperm and connects the testicles to the vas deferens.
Risk factors for orchitis
People who engage in high-risk sexual behavior may be more likely to
develop orchitis. High-risk sexual behavior includes:

 having sexual intercourse without condoms

 having a history of STIs
 having a partner who has an STI

Congenital urinary tract abnormalities can also increase your risk of orchitis.
This means you’re born with structural problems involving your bladder or
urethra.

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Diagnosing orchitis
Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history and your
symptoms. They’ll perform a physical examination to determine the extent of
the inflammation.

You may need a prostate examination to see if your prostate is inflamed. This
involves your doctor inserting a finger into your rectum to physically examine
the prostate.

Your doctor may ask for a urine sample and swab any discharge for lab
analysis. This can determine if you have STIs or other infections.

Ultrasound imaging can rule out testicular torsion. Testicular torsion is another
condition that causes extreme pain in the testicles and groin area, and the
symptoms are often confused with those of orchitis. Testicular torsion is the
twisting of the spermatic cord — a network of nerves and blood vessels that
runs into each testicle. It can threaten your fertility if it interrupts blood flow to
your testicles. Therefore, you should see a physician immediately.

Treatment options
There’s no cure for viral orchitis, but the condition will go away on its own. In
the meantime, you can use remedies at home to manage your symptoms.
Taking pain relievers, applying ice packs, and elevating the testicles when
possible can make you more comfortable.

Bacterial orchitis is treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and

cold packs. Regardless of the source of your inflammation, full recovery can
take several weeks.

Abstain from sexual intercourse and heavy lifting while you treat orchitis. If
you’re infected with an STI, your partner will need treatment, too.

Long-term outlook
Most men suffering from orchitis recover completely with no lasting effects.
Orchitis rarely causes infertility. Other complications are also rare but can
include:

 chronic inflammation of the epididymis

 an abscess or blister within the scrotum
 shrinking of the affected testicle
 the death of testicular tissue
Preventing orchitis
Some cases of orchitis cannot be prevented. This is especially true if you
suffer from congenital urinary tract problems. However, you can protect
yourself against certain types of viral orchitis. Vaccinate yourself and your
children against mumps to reduce your risk of contracting orchitis.

Practicing safe sex can help prevent bacterial orchitis. Use a condom and ask
your partner about their sexual history.