What is a ball infection?: Understanding Orchitis and Epididymitis

September 21, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Urology Care Foundation, epididymitis is the most common cause of acute scrotal pain in adults. A 'ball infection' is a colloquial term for medical conditions like orchitis and epididymitis, which are inflammatory infections of the male reproductive organs.

Quick Summary

A ball infection is a layperson's term for conditions like orchitis and epididymitis, involving inflammation and infection of the testicle or the coiled tube behind it, usually caused by bacteria or a virus.

Key Points

Orchitis vs. Epididymitis: A 'ball infection' is a general term for orchitis (testicle infection) or epididymitis (infection of the tube behind the testicle), which can also occur together.
Common Causes: The infection is most often caused by bacteria (from STIs or UTIs) or the mumps virus.
Key Symptoms: Look for scrotal pain, swelling, redness, fever, and painful urination. These symptoms can mimic a medical emergency called testicular torsion.
Treatment Varies: Bacterial infections require antibiotics, while viral cases are managed with supportive care, rest, and pain relievers.
Seek Medical Attention: Sudden, severe pain requires immediate medical evaluation to rule out testicular torsion. For other symptoms, a doctor's visit is necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention is Key: Getting the mumps vaccine and practicing safe sex can help prevent many infections.

The Medical Terminology: Epididymitis vs. Orchitis

While many use the term 'ball infection' to describe any infection affecting the scrotum, medical professionals refer to two primary conditions: epididymitis and orchitis. Understanding the difference is key to proper diagnosis and treatment. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube located at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. Orchitis, on the other hand, is inflammation and swelling of one or both testicles. The two can occur separately, but it is also common for the infection to spread, causing epididymo-orchitis.

Common Causes of Testicular and Epididymal Infections

Infections in this region can arise from a variety of sources, which often differ depending on the person's age and lifestyle. Identifying the root cause is a critical part of the diagnostic process.

Bacterial Causes

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): In sexually active men, especially those under 40, STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most frequent culprits. The bacteria migrate from the urethra into the epididymis.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): In older men, and in some younger men and children, bacteria from a UTI can spread to the reproductive organs. Common bacteria include E. coli.
Other Infections: Other bacteria, including those causing tuberculosis, can also lead to infections in rare cases.

Viral Causes

Mumps: This virus is the most common cause of viral orchitis, particularly in boys who have reached puberty. It can affect one or both testicles and typically occurs several days after the facial swelling associated with mumps begins.

Other Factors

Urinary Obstruction: Conditions that block the flow of urine, such as an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or urethral strictures, can increase the risk of infection.
Medical Procedures: Recent surgery or the long-term use of a urinary catheter can also predispose an individual to infection.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms can vary in severity and may come on suddenly (acute) or develop gradually over time (chronic). Key indicators include:

Pain and Swelling: A primary sign is pain in the scrotum, which may range from mild to severe. The scrotum may appear swollen, tender, red, or warm to the touch.
Fever and Chills: An infection can trigger a systemic response, causing fever and chills.
Urinary Symptoms: Pain or a burning sensation during urination (dysuria), frequent urination, or blood in the urine (hematuria) may occur, especially with a related UTI.
Penile Discharge: Discharge from the penis is a common symptom if the infection is caused by an STI.
Other Signs: Nausea and vomiting, pain during ejaculation, and a feeling of heaviness in the testicle are also possible.

It is crucial to note that these symptoms can overlap with other serious conditions, most notably testicular torsion, a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If you experience sudden, severe testicular pain, seek emergency medical help right away.

Diagnosing a Ball Infection

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and review your medical history, including any sexual activity. To determine the cause and rule out other issues, tests may be ordered:

Urine Tests: A urinalysis and urine culture can detect the presence of bacteria and help identify the type of infection.
Ultrasound: This imaging technique uses sound waves to create pictures of the scrotum and testicles. It can help distinguish between an infection and other conditions, such as testicular torsion or cancer.
STI Screening: If an STI is suspected, a urethral swab may be taken for testing.

Comparison of Epididymitis and Orchitis

To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of typical features for each condition.


Feature	Epididymitis	Orchitis	Epididymo-orchitis
Affected Area	Epididymis (tube behind testicle)	Testicle(s)	Both Epididymis and Testicle(s)
Usual Cause	Bacterial (STIs, UTIs)	Viral (mumps), sometimes bacterial	Viral or bacterial, often spreading from epididymis
Onset	Often more gradual	Typically rapid	Rapid
Associated Symptoms	Urethral discharge, urinary symptoms	Fever, fatigue, headache, nausea	All of the above
Common Age Group	Younger men (STIs), older men (UTIs)	Post-puberty boys (mumps), older men (UTIs)	Varies by cause

Effective Treatment Options

Treatment depends on whether the infection is bacterial or viral. In many cases, it involves a combination of medication and supportive care.

Antibiotics: For bacterial infections, a course of antibiotics is necessary. It is essential to complete the entire prescription, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully eliminated and prevent recurrence. If the cause is an STI, sexual partners should also be treated to avoid reinfection.
Supportive Care: For both bacterial and viral cases, supportive measures can provide significant relief from pain and swelling. These include:
- Rest: Limiting activity and resting is recommended.
- Elevation: Elevating the scrotum with a rolled towel or using a jockstrap can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Cold Packs: Applying ice packs to the affected area for short intervals can also ease discomfort.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and swelling.
Hospitalization: In severe cases, particularly those with high fever, vomiting, or signs of complications, hospitalization may be required for intravenous (IV) antibiotics.

Potential Complications and Long-Term Effects

While most cases resolve with appropriate treatment, untreated infections can lead to serious complications.

Scrotal Abscess: A pocket of pus can form in the scrotum, which may require surgical drainage.
Testicular Atrophy: In severe cases, especially from mumps orchitis, the affected testicle may shrink.
Infertility: If both testicles are affected, there is a risk of fertility problems, though this is less common with early treatment.
Chronic Epididymitis: Some individuals may experience long-term, persistent inflammation and pain.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing a ball infection often involves simple measures related to hygiene and sexual health.

Vaccination: Getting the MMR vaccine can prevent mumps-related orchitis, which is the most common cause of viral orchitis.
Safe Sex: Using condoms consistently and correctly can prevent STIs that cause epididymitis. Regular STI screening is also recommended for those with multiple partners.
Urinary Health: Addressing underlying urinary tract issues like an enlarged prostate can reduce the risk of bacterial infections spreading to the reproductive organs.

Conclusion: Acting Quickly is Crucial

Ultimately, a 'ball infection' is a serious medical issue that warrants prompt attention. While the term covers multiple conditions, all can lead to pain, discomfort, and potential long-term complications if left untreated. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis is the most important step towards effective treatment and preventing future problems. For more information on urological conditions, visit the American Urological Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'ball infection' is a non-medical term for an infection affecting the testicle (orchitis) or the sperm-carrying tube behind it (epididymitis). Both conditions cause inflammation, pain, and swelling in the scrotum and require medical evaluation.

Yes. In sexually active men, especially under 40, bacterial infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea are common causes of epididymitis. The bacteria travel from the urethra to the epididymis.

No. Testicular torsion is a medical emergency where the spermatic cord twists, cutting off blood flow to the testicle. While symptoms like sudden, severe pain can be similar to an infection, torsion requires immediate surgery, whereas an infection is typically treated with antibiotics.

If the infection is bacterial, treatment involves a course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Supportive measures like rest, elevating the scrotum, and using ice packs can help relieve pain and swelling.

With proper treatment, bacterial infections often begin to improve within a few days, though complete resolution of swelling can take several weeks or longer. Viral orchitis from mumps typically resolves on its own over 1 to 3 weeks.

In severe or untreated cases, particularly if both testicles are affected by orchitis, complications like infertility can occur. However, with early and effective treatment, most cases resolve without long-term reproductive problems.

Prevention methods include getting vaccinated against mumps, practicing safe sex with condoms to prevent STIs, and seeking treatment for any underlying urinary tract issues.

You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience any testicular pain, swelling, or unusual symptoms. If the pain is sudden and severe, seek emergency medical care immediately to rule out testicular torsion.