Mumps and Sterility: Understanding the Risk and Orchitis

Mumps can cause sterility in males, but it is a rare complication. Mumps is a viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, but it can also spread to other parts of the body, including the testes. In some cases, mumps can cause inflammation and swelling of the testes (orchitis), which can lead to damage to the seminiferous tubules, the structures in the testes that produce sperm. This damage can result in impaired sperm production and, in severe cases, sterility.

The risk of sterility from mumps is higher in adult males than in children. It is estimated that about 20-30% of adult males who develop mumps will experience orchitis, and of those, about 10-15% will go on to develop sterility. However, it's important to note that the majority of males who get mumps will not experience any fertility problems.

The best way to prevent mumps and its potential complications, including sterility, is to get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is safe and effective in preventing mumps and its complications.