Mumps is a viral infection that is caused by the mumps virus. It spreads through infected saliva, mucus or respiratory droplets from an infected person. Although, it is not considered as dangerous, it can cause many complications like inflammation of the pancreas, meningitis, hearing loss and orchitis which affects the testicles in men. Recently, it has been reported that mumps can also affect fertility in both men and women. In this article, we will be discussing the effects of mumps on fertility and how to prevent it.
Can mumps make you sterile?
Mumps virus is known to cause a condition called orchitis in men which is an inflammation of the testicles. This inflammation can cause permanent damage to the testicles leading to a decreased sperm count or even infertility. Although, not all men who have orchitis caused by mumps will become infertile, there is a higher chance of infertility in those who have the infection after puberty. In women, mumps virus can cause ovarian inflammation which can also lead to infertility.
How common is infertility caused by mumps?
Infertility caused by mumps infection is rare. The risk of infertility is higher in men who have had orchitis as a result of mumps after puberty. According to a study, about 30% of men who had orchitis caused by mumps after puberty had decreased sperm counts.
What are the symptoms of orchitis?
Orchitis caused by mumps virus can cause the following symptoms:
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Pain with ejaculation
Is there any treatment for orchitis caused by mumps?
Treatment for orchitis caused by mumps is mainly supportive which involves managing the symptoms like pain and fever. Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. There is no specific treatment for the virus itself.
Can mumps vaccine prevent infertility?
Yes. Mumps vaccine is one of the vaccines included in the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine. It is recommended for children to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first one between 12 and 15 months of age and the second one between 4 and 6 years of age. The vaccine is highly effective and can prevent mumps infection and its complications including orchitis and infertility.
Is it safe for women to get pregnant after having mumps?
If a woman has had mumps in the past, she is immune to the virus and there is no risk to her fertility or pregnancy. However, if a woman gets infected with the virus during pregnancy, it can affect the developing fetus and cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Pregnant women who are not immune to mumps should avoid contact with infected individuals.
Can mumps cause a miscarriage?
There is no direct evidence that mumps virus can cause a miscarriage. However, if a woman gets infected with the virus during the first trimester of pregnancy, there is a possibility of the virus affecting the developing fetus and causing miscarriage.
What can you do to prevent mumps infection?
The best way to prevent mumps infection is by getting vaccinated. Vaccination is recommended for all children and adults who have not been vaccinated before. It is also important to practice good hygiene like washing hands frequently, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
What should you do if you think you have mumps?
If you think you have mumps, you should see a doctor immediately. Your doctor may order a blood test or a saliva test to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for mumps involves managing the symptoms and preventing the spread of the virus to others. You should also avoid close contact with other people until you are no longer contagious.
Conclusion
Mumps virus can affect fertility in both men and women by causing orchitis in men and ovarian inflammation in women. The risk of infertility is higher in men who have had orchitis caused by mumps after puberty. Vaccination is the best way to prevent mumps infection and its complications including infertility. If you think you have mumps, see a doctor immediately and take steps to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
References:
- “Mumps – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Dec. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mumps/symptoms-causes/syc-20375361.
- “Mumps | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Dec. 2019, www.cdc.gov/mumps/index.html.
- “Mumps – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Dec. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mumps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375367.
- “Mumps Vaccine | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 Mar. 2020, www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mumps/hcp/recommendations.html.
FAQs
- Q. Can mumps cause infertility?
- A. Yes. Mumps virus can cause orchitis in men and ovarian inflammation in women which can lead to decreased fertility or infertility.
- Q. Is infertility caused by mumps common?
- A. Infertility caused by mumps is rare. The risk of infertility is higher in men who have had orchitis caused by mumps after puberty.
- Q. Can mumps vaccine prevent infertility?
- A. Yes. Mumps vaccine is highly effective in preventing mumps infection and its complications including infertility.
- Q. What should you do if you think you have mumps?
- A. If you think you have mumps, see a doctor immediately and take steps to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
- Q. Is it safe for women to get pregnant after having mumps?
- A. If a woman has had mumps in the past, she is immune to the virus and there is no risk to her fertility or pregnancy. However, if a woman gets infected with the virus during pregnancy, it can affect the developing fetus and cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
- Q. What can you do to prevent mumps infection?
- A. The best way to prevent mumps infection is by getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene like washing hands frequently, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.