Why does mumps cause testicular pain?

The mumps virus usually affects salivary glands, but it can also cause inflammation elsewhere in the body. Inflammation in a testicle can stretch surrounding tissue and make the area tender, swollen, heavy, or painful. Pain may affect one side or both sides and can be accompanied by fever or feeling unwell.

Testicular Pain is a common presentation of Mumps. That relationship does not identify the cause of pain in any individual person, because sudden testicular pain has several possible causes.

Arrange a same-day clinical assessment for testicular pain during or after mumps symptoms. Rest, supportive underwear, and a cool wrapped compress may ease discomfort while you wait. A clinician can examine the scrotum, review medicines, and advise on suitable pain relief for you.

Avoid strenuous activity until the pain and swelling have been assessed. Do not squeeze or repeatedly check the testicle, as this can increase tenderness.

Seek urgent medical care immediately for sudden severe pain, a high-riding or unusually positioned testicle, marked swelling, vomiting, faintness, or pain after an injury. These features need prompt assessment because a twisted testicle can also cause acute pain and requires urgent treatment.

Contact a clinician promptly if pain is worsening, you have fever with scrotal redness, or symptoms are not settling.

Ask whether the examination suggests orchitis, whether tests are needed to exclude another cause of scrotal pain, which pain medicine is appropriate, and when it is safe to return to normal activity.