What should you know about mumps in adult men?

Mumps is a viral infection spread through respiratory droplets and saliva. Most people notice tender swelling around the jaw or ears, fever, headache, muscle aches and reduced appetite. In adult men, the infection can also cause painful swelling of one or both testicles. This complication needs assessment because pain and swelling in the scrotum have other possible causes.

Symptoms may appear after an interval following exposure, and a person can spread the virus before the diagnosis is settled. A swollen gland does not by itself establish mumps; dental problems, other infections and non-infectious conditions can also cause swelling. A GP Consultation can help assess the pattern and decide whether further testing is needed.

Call a healthcare service before arriving so staff can reduce exposure to other patients. Rest, drink fluids and use only medicines that are suitable for you, following the label or a clinician's advice. Avoid sharing food, drinks, towels or cigarettes, and limit close contact while you are unwell or awaiting guidance.

If you have testicular pain or swelling, report it clearly and promptly rather than waiting for it to settle. Tell the clinician about recent contact with mumps, your MMR vaccination history, fever, jaw swelling and any headache or neck symptoms. Vaccination helps prevent mumps but does not replace assessment of a current illness.

Arrange prompt medical advice for fever with swollen glands, suspected exposure, or new testicular pain and swelling. The Fever and Swollen Glands pages can help you describe symptoms, but they cannot confirm the cause.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe testicular pain, severe headache, confusion, a stiff neck, trouble breathing, persistent vomiting, fainting or signs of dehydration. These symptoms may indicate a complication or another urgent condition. Follow local infection-control advice until a clinician tells you when close contact is safe.

Ask: Could this be mumps or another infection? Do I need testing? How should I manage testicular swelling? When can I return to work or social activities? Should household contacts check their MMR vaccination records?