Mumps Orchitis — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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EasyInfection Prevention & ControlMumps OrchitisSCE Infectious Diseases

A 25-year-old man presents with painless bilateral testicular swelling. He has concurrent bilateral parotitis confirmed as mumps (Mumps IgM positive). He is systemically well. What is the most important long-term concern?

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Correct answer: E — Subfertility — mumps orchitis (occurring in ~25% of post-pubertal males with mumps) can cause testicular atrophy and oligospermia

Mumps orchitis occurs in approximately 25% of post-pubertal males with mumps and is bilateral in about one-third of cases. It can cause testicular atrophy and impaired spermatogenesis, leading to subfertility. Complete infertility is rare (~1%). Management is supportive (analgesia, scrotal support, bed rest). There is no specific antiviral. Semen analysis should be offered 3–6 months post-recovery if fertility is a concern. Mumps is preventable with MMR vaccination — this case highlights the consequence of missed vaccination.

Reference: UKHSA 2024 – Green Book Ch 23: Mumps; NICE CKS 2024 – Mumps