FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What typically causes orchitis?

1. Viral infections only

2. Bacterial infections or the mumps virus

3. Heavy lifting

4. Trauma to the testicles

The correct answer is: Bacterial infections or the mumps virus

Orchitis is primarily caused by infections, with bacterial infections and viral infections, particularly the mumps virus, being the most common culprits. Mumps orchitis occurs in males who contract the mumps virus, especially after puberty, leading to painful swelling of the testicles. Additionally, bacterial infections, often associated with sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia, can also lead to orchitis. In contrast, while heavy lifting and trauma to the testicles can cause pain or discomfort in the testicular region, they do not typically lead to orchitis. These mechanical causes might result in other conditions such as testicular torsion or strain but are not infectious in nature. Thus, the comprehensive confluence of bacterial and viral pathogens is what accurately defines the primary causes of orchitis.