Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Genital Herpes
Moderate
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Orchitis
Moderate
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus, usually HSV-2 or HSV-1. It can cause painful blisters, sores, or ulcers around the genitals, anus, or nearby skin, although many infected people have mild or unrecognized symptoms. After infection, the virus remains in the body and can reactivate, causing recurrent outbreaks. Symptoms and recurrence patterns vary between individuals.
Orchitis
Orchitis is inflammation of one or both testicles. It may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Mumps is a well-known viral cause, while bacterial orchitis can occur with infections involving the urinary tract or reproductive system. Symptoms may include testicular pain, swelling, tenderness, fever, and fatigue.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Breast Lump Eye Pain Sudden WeaknessOnly in Right Disease
Fever Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Irregular PeriodsCauses
Shared
InfectionOnly in Left Disease
None
Only in Right Disease
None
Diagnosis
Genital Herpes
Diagnosis may be based on the appearance and location of characteristic genital lesions together with the person’s symptoms and sexual history. When lesions are present, a swab from a fresh lesion can be tested using molecular methods to detect herpes simplex virus. Blood tests may be useful in selected circumstances, particularly when there are no lesions but a specific clinical question about previous infection needs to be addressed.
Orchitis
Orchitis is diagnosed using symptoms, medical history, and examination of the scrotum and testicles. Tests may include urine testing, blood tests, and testing for sexually transmitted infections when appropriate. Ultrasound may help distinguish orchitis from other causes of acute testicular pain, particularly testicular torsion, which requires urgent treatment.
Prevention
Genital Herpes
Consistent condom or other barrier use can reduce, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of genital herpes transmission because uncovered skin can also transmit the virus. Avoid sexual contact when genital or oral lesions or other outbreak symptoms are present. People who know they have genital herpes should discuss the infection with partners and follow medical advice about antiviral treatment, including suppressive therapy when appropriate.
Orchitis
Vaccination against mumps is an important way to reduce the risk of mumps-related orchitis. Prompt evaluation and treatment of urinary, reproductive, and sexually transmitted infections can help prevent complications. Practicing safer sex and seeking medical care for symptoms of infection can also reduce the risk of infections that may involve the testicles.
Risk Factors
Genital Herpes
Risk increases with sexual contact involving an infected partner, multiple sexual partners, inconsistent use of condoms or other barriers, and previous exposure to herpes simplex virus. Because transmission can occur without visible sores, a person may be exposed without knowing that a partner has an active infection. Other sexually transmitted infections or behaviors associated with increased sexual exposure can also increase risk.
Orchitis
Risk factors include infections such as mumps, urinary or reproductive tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and conditions that increase the likelihood of infection spreading to the testicles. Lack of vaccination against mumps can increase the risk of mumps-related orchitis.
Treatment
Genital Herpes
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Orchitis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.