Did you ever know that a common childhood disease could affect male infertility? The viral disease mumps, otherwise deemed a disease of the past, might have an interesting association with male infertility.
But how does something as familiar as mumps cause infertility? We will discuss the unexpected hazards in this blog and answer some burning questions you may have never bothered to ask. So hang on, as we embark on a journey to decode the secrets behind mumps and male fertility.
How Mumps Can Affect Male Fertility?
The mumps virus is a common disease among children, but when it comes to grown men, its a whole new subject. Orchitis is one of the complications, when mumps strikes after puberty.
Orchitis means swelling and inflammation of the testicles, causing temporary or sometimes permanent damage to the male reproductive system. Though mumps is often called a mild illness, it can have very serious implications, when it comes to male fertility.
Orchitis: The Connection Between Mumps and Testicular Inflammation
One of the foremost complications associated with mumps in men would be orchitis. Orchitis implies inflammation of the testis. This mumps virus causes swelling, pain, and sometimes redness in the scrotum.
These signs and symptoms can be quite painful, and worse, can compromise the function of the testicles. A very high degree of inflammation may induce permanent damage in these organs which thereby will affect sperm production and fertility in general.
How Mumps Can Impact Sperm Production
The testicles are responsible for sperm production, but when they get affected by orchitis, their production gets drastically reduced. The inflammation caused by mumps damages the testicular tissue and makes it harder for sperm production.
In most cases, this can lower the sperm count, reduce sperm movement, and lower sperm quality. All these make it challenging to get conceived. Some men may recover from their fertility over time, but it can sometimes lead to permanent damage.
Can Mumps Lead to Permanent Infertility?
For this, the answer is “it can”. But actually, not all males with mumps will have permanent infertility. Most men even come back to fertility once the infection clears up.
However, some damage can be too severe to be repairable, apparently due to orchitis. It has been estimated that around 20-30% of men who suffer mumps post-puberty develop some fertility problems, however, complete infertility due to mumps is rare.
Risk of Testicular Atrophy and Long-Term Damage
In some cases, when severe orchitis occurs due to mumps, it may directly lead to testicular atrophy. In other words, the testicles shrink up and are incapable of producing sperm and hormones anymore.
Testicular atrophy can result in low testosterone levels, which may lead to further problems such as reduced sex drive, fatigue, and even erectile dysfunction. This does not happen in every case of mumps, but it is a risk not to be ignored.
Diagnosing and Managing Mumps-Related Fertility Issues
Medical Examinations and Semen Analysis
If a person has suffered from mumps and is concerned about his ability to retain fertility, a visit to the doctor is very important. The doctor usually conducts various tests to see if any damage has happened to sperm production due to the infection.
The tests typically include a physical exam, blood tests for hormone level checks, and semen analysis for sperm count, motility, and quality.
The earlier the diagnosis, the more appropriate and effective the treatment process. If your fertility is declining, your doctor might recommend alternative options such as IVF or ICSI as fertility treatment to help facilitate your journey as a father after the mumps infection.
Treatment Options for Mumps Orchitis
No specific treatment exists for mumps, but treatment may relieve symptoms of orchitis. General therapies include:
- Pain relief: Common pain medications such as ibuprofen can provide relief from pain and inflammation.
- Cold application: Application of cold on the scrotal area is known to alleviate swelling and discomfort.
- Scrotal support: Supportive garments or a cup can ease discomfort.
In case of significant sperm production reduction, assisted reproductive technologies like IVF or ICSI may be applied. Hormones that the doctor would prescribe help recover from any hormonal imbalance that the infection causes.
Preventing Mumps and Protecting Fertility
The most efficient way of preventing fertility complications could be to prevent mumps itself. The MMR vaccine, used for the prevention of mumps, measles, and rubella, serves in high order in preventing mumps.
If one has not been immunized till now, it is better to have the vaccination before setting out to start a family. By vaccination, one will greatly lessen the risk of mumps or any fertility problems that arise with it.
Importance of MMR Vaccination
Vaccination is the best way to help protect against mumps and its potential harmful effects on fertility. The MMR vaccine is mostly given in childhood but remains an option for adults who have never been immunized. It is a simple and safe way in which to protect one’s health and fertility future.
Conclusion
Mumps may be rightly classified as a childhood disease; however, it has some serious implications for male fertility after puberty. Orchitis, or inflammation of the testicles, is the main problem and can lead to temporary or permanent infertility.
The good thing is that many men can regain fertility after mumps with early diagnosis and treatment.
However, the best way to prevent the infection and protect yourself and your future fertility is through the MMR vaccine.
