Many people attribute infertility issues to women, but it is a problem that affects both partners. Can mumps affect male fertility? Let's find out together!
Salivary Glands and Mumps
The salivary glands are located on both sides of the face near the earlobes.
When a person has mumps, the swollen salivary glands cause the face to become swollen around the earlobes.
Mumps can be classified as either suppurative or non-suppurative, with suppurative mumps further divided into acute and chronic cases.
Acute suppurative mumps is mainly caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, while chronic suppurative mumps is caused by factors such as salivary gland stones blocking the salivary ducts and causing infection.
Neither type is contagious. Common symptoms include localized redness and swelling of one side of the salivary gland, with noticeable tenderness. Squeezing the gland can cause pus to flow out of the salivary duct.
It falls within the scope of "Fayi" in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Non-suppurative mumps, also known as epidemic parotitis, is an acute viral infectious disease caused by mumps virus.
Clinically, it is characterized by fever, swelling, and pain in the parotid gland, but the skin remains warm and not red.
After infection, symptoms such as fever, headache, and loss of appetite may occur. After 1-2 days, the parotid gland becomes enlarged, initially on one side and then on both sides. Sometimes, both sides may swell simultaneously, but no pus is produced.
When chewing or consuming acidic foods, the cheeks can become so swollen and painful that tears flow. In severe cases, even drinking water can cause the above discomfort.
Generally, symptoms peak within 2-3 days. The entire course of the disease lasts 7-14 days, and after recovery, the appearance remains unchanged from before the illness.
Peak Period for Epidemic Parotitis
Epidemic parotitis can occur throughout the year, but due to the mumps virus being resistant to cold and sensitive to heat, it is more prevalent in winter and spring.
Mumps Virus's Affinity for Glands
In addition to affecting the salivary glands, the mumps virus can also invade other glands, leading to diseases such as pancreatitis, orchitis, oophoritis, and meningitis.
If a patient with mumps experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting, pancreatitis should be suspected;
If they experience headaches, persistent fever, vomiting, and even seizures, viral meningitis should be suspected;
The testes are reproductive glands, just like the salivary glands.
Therefore, the mumps virus has a strong affinity for the testes and can "wander" throughout the body through the blood, entering the testes and causing inflammation.
The mumps virus is also quite selective, tending to invade mature reproductive glands. In clinical practice, orchitis is more common in patients in the late stages of adolescence.
The incidence rate significantly increases after the age of 13-14, while cases of orchitis combined with mumps before puberty are rare. Orchitis usually occurs 3-4 days after mumps, with one or both testicles becoming enlarged and highly tender.
Acute symptoms last 3-5 days, and the entire course of the disease is around 10 days.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for mumps in Western medicine. It mainly involves symptomatic treatment and waiting for natural recovery. Generally, infection of one testicle does not affect fertility, but if both testicles are infected, it can lead to infertility.
Traditional Chinese Medicine's Superb Treatment for Pancreatitis
Traditional Chinese Medicine has accumulated rich experience in treating epidemic parotitis. Many clinicians adopt the method of internal and external treatment, which has achieved good therapeutic effects.
Internal administration of heat-clearing and detoxifying prescriptions tailored to the symptoms, and external application of heat-clearing and detoxifying medications such as Yuyu Gao, Qingdai San, or freshly mashed cactus and dandelion;
Targeting the affected area reduces the irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and makes it easier for patients to accept.
Combining internal and external treatment not only enhances the therapeutic effect but also shortens the course of the disease.
