Orchitis is usually caused by bacterial and viral infections. Bacterial infections rarely appear in testicles because of the abundant blood and lymph fluid supply and their resistance to bacteria. Bacterial orchitis is mostly caused by inflammation of the adjacent epididymis, which is also called epididymal orchitis. Common pathogenic bacteria are staphylococcus, streptococcus, Escherichia coli, etc.

The incidence of orchitis is about 15 percent. Orchitis will affect the normal life of men, and patients should go to the hospital and have prompt treatments. However, some patients don’t go to the hospital for treatment due to self-esteem, resulting in aggravated illness. Over time, orchitis can lead to other diseases. In severe cases, it causes azoospermia.

How does orchitis affect sperm and lead to azoospermia?

1. Blocking sperm channels

If orchitis is caused by gonococcus, mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogens infections, it will not only cause inflammation in sperm, but also easily cause shrinkage or blockage of the testis lumen, resulting in incomplete or complete obstruction of the vas deferens near the testis end, which will block the sperm channel, resulting in azoospermia.

2. Reducing sperm motility

Infection of the epididymis directly damages spermatozoa in the epididymis tube, inhibits spermatozoa activity, and causes spermatozoa agglutination, reducing sperm motility.

3. Cutting off sperm nutrition

The growth of sperm needs adequate nutrition supply. If the sperm does not have enough nutrition, the quality of sperm will decrease and the motility will weaken.

If orchitis occurs, it will cause lumen congestion and edema, and testicular secretion of various sperm-required substances will be significantly reduced. It can’t provide the required nutrition for sperm. Thus, sperm ability is weakened, resulting in dead sperm, low sperm motility, and infertility.

Azoospermia is an important cause of male infertility. During sexual ejaculation of semen, semen volume is normal, but no sperm appears after more than three times of semen examinations. Azoospermia is curable, although the causes of azoospermia are various and complex. Different patients have different physical conditions and causes. Thus, the treatment of azoospermia is different. Once the patient appears abnormal sperm, he should go to the hospital for a prompt examination to clear the cause and have an effective treatment.

In addition to prompt treatments, how to prevent and relieve it daily?

1. Relax. Too much mental pressure will have a negative effect on the growth of sperm. Thus, men should relax themselves properly.

2. Regular examination. Bacterial infection is also an important factor in male infertility. Men should receive chlamydia and prostate examination.

3. Regular exercise. Obesity will lead to high temperature of the groin and damage the growth of sperm, resulting in infertility. Therefore, keep your weight within the standard range can improve the quality of your sperm.

4. Go to the sauna and steam bath less. High-temperature steam bath directly harms sperm and inhibits sperm production.

5. Eat more green food. Green vegetables contain vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and other components conducive to sperm growth.

6. Quit smoking and alcohol. Data shows that smoking and alcohol consumption are the main factors contributing to the decline of sperm count and quality.

To sum up, orchitis can lead to azoospermia. Therefore, once orchitis symptoms appear, patients should go to the hospital immediately for relevant treatments to protect their physical and mental health.

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