What is testicular autoimmunity?

Abstract. Although the testis is an immunoprivileged organ, infection and inflammation may overwhelm immunosuppressor mechanisms inducing autoimmune reactions against spermatic antigens which result in aspermatogenesis and infertility.

Can autoimmune disease cause testicular pain?

Secondary autoimmune orchitis is characterized by symptomatic orchitis and/or testicular vasculiti`s associated with a systemic autoimmune disease, particularly vasculitis. These patients typically demonstrate testicular pain, erythema and/or swelling.

What is autoimmune orchitis?

Autoimmune orchitis is a relevant cause of decreased fecundity in males, and it is defined as a direct aggression to the testis with the concomitant presence of anti-sperm antibodies (ASA). The presence of these specific antibodies has been observed in approximately 5-12% of infertile male partners.

Is epididymitis an autoimmune disease?

Epididymitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, particularly sexually transmitted infections (STIs), commonly chlamydia and gonorrhea and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Epididymitis may also be caused by injury, vasectomy, or an autoimmune disease.

What is testicular vasculitis?

Testicular vasculitis is defined as inflammation and consequent pathological destruction of the blood vessels in the testis, which can be seen in either systemic or isolated diseases.

Does orchitis cause infertility?

Occasionally, orchitis can cause infertility or inadequate testosterone production (hypogonadism). But these are less likely if orchitis affects only one testicle.

Is autoimmune orchitis painful?

Orchitis signs and symptoms usually develop suddenly and can include: Swelling in one or both testicles. Pain ranging from mild to severe.

What causes testicular vasculitis?

Systematic diseases reported to cause testicular vasculitis are most commonly polyarteritis nodosa (~65%) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (~20%) 1. However, it has also been noted to occur with rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis and Henoch-Schönlein purpura 2,3.

Can vasculitis cause testicular pain?

Pain and swelling in the testes, in rare cases, may be the first symptoms of ANCA-associated vasculitis, even among patients without other symptoms associated with this disease, researchers reported, noting that testicular vasculitis is often misdiagnosed.

Is orchitis a STD?

Orchitis (or-KIE-tis) is an inflammation of one or both testicles. Bacterial or viral infections can cause orchitis, or the cause can be unknown. Orchitis is most often the result of a bacterial infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). In some cases, the mumps virus can cause orchitis.

What causes inflammation of testes?

Can low testosterone cause testicular pain?

Shrinkage of the testicles and erectile dysfunction can occur in conditions with low testosterone. Testicular pain may not be related to these conditions but can occur following trauma or injury as well as interruption of the blood supply to the testes.

Can you strain a testicle?

Examples of causes of injuries to the testicle include sports injuries, a direct kick to the groin or testicle, car accidents, and straddle injuries. Usually, the pain improves with time. Rarely, trauma to the testicles can cause more severe injuries requiring immediate medical attention.

What are the 5 signs of orchitis?

Symptoms

• Swelling in one or both testicles.
• Pain ranging from mild to severe.
• Fever.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• General feeling of unwellness (malaise)

What causes inflammation in testis?

Males of any age can get epididymitis. Epididymitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Sometimes, a testicle also becomes inflamed — a condition called epididymo-orchitis.

How do you know if your balls are infected?

A swollen, red or warm scrotum. Testicle pain and tenderness, usually on one side, that usually comes on gradually. Painful urination or an urgent or frequent need to urinate. Discharge from the penis.