Can Mumps Infection Affect Male Fertility?

Reviewed By: Dr. Nayani Enjamoori, fertility specialist at Ferty9 Fertility Center, Karimnagar

The mumps virus, a highly contagious pathogen, is primarily known for causing the distinctive swollen and painful cheeks symptomatic of the illness. However, this viral infection can also have far-reaching consequences, particularly for men's reproductive health. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricate relationship between mumps and male fertility, exploring the potential impact of this disease on the male reproductive system and the steps that can be taken to mitigate its effects.

What is Mumps?

Mumps is a viral illness. The culprit behind this is the mumps virus, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. This virus primarily targets the salivary glands, leading to the characteristic swelling of the cheeks and jaw. While mumps was once a common childhood disease, the widespread implementation of vaccination programs has significantly reduced its prevalence in many parts of the world.

Also read: Fertility and Nutrition: Foods and Supplements That May Boost Male Fertility

Common Symptoms of Mumps

The most notable symptom of mumps is the swelling & tenderness of one or both parotid glands, which are the salivary glands located near the ears. Additional symptoms may include:

A mild to moderate fever
Headache
Muscle aches & stiffness, most common in the neck and jaw
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Pain or discomfort while chewing or swallowing

Mumps can also lead to complications affecting other organs, such as the testicles, ovaries, pancreas, and brain.

Also read: Why Male Infertility Rates Are Rising in India

How Mumps Spreads

As a highly contagious disease, mumps can be transmitted through a variety of routes, such as:

Direct contact via respiratory droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze
Sharing utensils, cups, or other objects contaminated with the virus
Close, prolonged contact with an infected individual

The virus can survive on surfaces & objects for several hours, increasing the risk of transmission.

Mumps and the Male Reproductive System

While mumps primarily affects the salivary glands, the condition can also impact the male reproductive system, particularly the testicles. This complication, known as mumps orchitis, occurs in approximately 20-30% of males who contract mumps after puberty.

Mumps orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testicles caused by the mumps virus travelling through the bloodstream and infecting the testicular tissue. This condition can lead to severe testicular pain, swelling, and tenderness, often accompanied by fever and nausea.

Mumps and Fertility

The potential impact of mumps on male fertility has been a subject of concern and extensive research. Mumps orchitis can cause temporary or, in rare cases, permanent testicular damage, leading to reduced sperm production and potential infertility.

Several studies have shown that mumps orchitis can result in:

Decreased sperm count
Reduced sperm motility
Abnormal sperm morphology

These changes in sperm quality and quantity make it more difficult for affected individuals to conceive naturally.

However, it is essential to note that the risk of permanent infertility due to mumps orchitis is relatively low, with most cases resulting in temporary impairment of fertility. The severity of the impact on fertility often depends on factors such as the extent of testicular inflammation, the age at which the infection occurs, and the prompt treatment of the condition.

How Mumps and Its Complications Are Diagnosed

Diagnosing mumps involves a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. Doctors may perform the following tests:

Physical Examination: Doctors will inspect for swollen salivary glands and other potential complications.
Blood Tests: To detect the presence of mumps-specific antibodies or measure the levels of inflammation markers.
Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or other imaging techniques help assess testicular inflammation in cases of suspected mumps orchitis.

Early diagnosis & prompt treatment are elementary in managing mumps and its potential complications, including the impact on male fertility.

Also read: Male Infertility Testing: Understanding the Process and Results

Available Treatments for Mumps and Mumps-related Orchitis

While there is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps, supportive care and symptom management are essential. For mumps orchitis, the doctor may recommend the following treatments:

Analgesics & anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation
Application of cold packs or scrotal support to provide relief and minimise swelling
Bed rest and avoidance of strenuous activities to promote healing
In severe cases, hospitalisation and intravenous fluids may be necessary

Prompt treatment of mumps orchitis can help minimise the risk of long-term complications, including potential fertility issues.

Also read: How Ferty9's Fertility Counseling Services Address Your Specific Needs?

Coping with Infertility

In cases where mumps orchitis has led to fertility problems, individuals may explore various options to address their concerns, such as:

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
Sperm banking or cryopreservation before undergoing treatments that may affect fertility
Counselling and support groups to cope with the emotional impact of infertility

It is essential to seek guidance from reproductive health specialists and fertility experts to explore the most appropriate options based on individual circumstances.

Find Hope and Solutions for Infertility Problems—Explore Our Comprehensive Services

IVF Treatment
IUI Treatment
ICSI Treatment
Fertility Preservation Service
Blastocyst Culture & Transfer Treatment

Conclusion

Mumps, while primarily known for their impact on the salivary glands, can also have significant consequences on male fertility. The mumps virus can cause orchitis, an inflammation of the testicles. It can lead to decreased sperm production & poor quality, increasing the risk of infertility. With prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the long-term effects of mumps orchitis on fertility can often be mitigated.

Preventive measures, such as vaccination, remain the most effective way to protect against mumps and its potential complications. By understanding the relationship between mumps and male fertility, one can make better decisions about their reproductive health and take proactive steps to safeguard their future fertility.

Visit Our Clinic:

Fertility Clinic in Hyderabad
Fertility Clinic in Visakhapatnam
Fertility Clinic in Vijayawada
Fertility Clinic in Warangal
Fertility Clinic in Rajahmundry
Fertility Clinic in Tirupati
Fertility Clinic in Kurnool

Can mumps infection affect male fertility?

Write your message

FAQ's

Can mumps affect the testicles?

Yes, mumps can affect the testicles in a condition known as mumps orchitis. This complication occurs in approximately 20-30% of males who contract mumps after puberty. Mumps orchitis is an inflammation of one or both testicles caused by the mumps virus travelling through the bloodstream and infecting the testicular tissue.

Can mumps be prevented?

Yes, mumps can be prevented through vaccination. The mumps vaccine is typically administered as part of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, which protects against all three viral diseases.

Is there a vaccine for mumps?

Yes, there is a vaccine for mumps. The mumps vaccine is typically combined with the measles and rubella vaccines in the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. This combination vaccine is routinely administered to children and provides long-lasting protection against all three viral diseases.

How effective is the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine effectively prevents mumps, measles, and rubella. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 88% effective in preventing mumps. However, the effectiveness can vary and depends on factors such as the individual's age, immune status, and the strain of the mumps virus circulating in the community.