Mumps is a viral infection primarily known for causing swelling of the salivary glands, a condition called parotitis. While this is the characteristic symptom, the mumps virus can also lead to other complications affecting various parts of the body. Understanding these potential complications provides important context for the disease’s broader impact.
Understanding Mumps and Its Complications
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets, such as those produced by coughing, sneezing, or talking. Direct contact with infected saliva, including sharing objects like cups or utensils, can also transmit the virus. Initial symptoms often include a low-grade fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite. A few days later, painful swelling of one or both parotid salivary glands, located between the ear and jaw, typically appears, giving the appearance of “chipmunk cheeks”.
Beyond parotitis, the mumps virus can affect other tissues, leading to further complications. These include inflammation of the testicles (orchitis) in males, ovaries (oophoritis) in females, and the pancreas (pancreatitis). Mumps can also cause inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or, rarely, inflammation of the brain itself (encephalitis). These complications vary significantly, particularly regarding fertility.
Mumps and Male Fertility
Mumps-induced orchitis, the inflammation of one or both testicles, is a common complication in post-pubertal males. It typically develops four to seven days after initial mumps symptoms, causing severe pain, swelling, and redness in the scrotum. Orchitis occurs in about 25% to 40% of unvaccinated males who contract mumps after puberty, though it more frequently affects only one testicle.
This inflammation can disrupt normal sperm production and affect sperm quality. Mumps orchitis can lead to reduced sperm count, decreased sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. While these issues can make natural conception more challenging, complete sterility is rare. Fertility impairment occurs in about 13% of unilateral orchitis cases. Bilateral orchitis, affecting about 1 in 6 men, increases the risk of reduced fertility, with infertility estimated in 30% to 87% of these cases. Even with testicular shrinkage (30% to 50% of affected testicles), significant long-term fertility problems are not guaranteed.
Mumps and Female Fertility
While mumps can also affect female reproductive organs, the impact on fertility is considerably less common and typically less severe than in males. Oophoritis, the inflammation of the ovaries, can occur in females who contract mumps after puberty. This complication is estimated to affect around 1 in 14 unvaccinated females with mumps after puberty, or about 5% of post-pubertal women.
Symptoms of oophoritis may include lower abdominal pain, upset stomach, vomiting, and fever. Unlike orchitis in males, mumps-induced oophoritis rarely leads to long-term fertility issues or sterility in females. The condition is generally mild and temporary, with symptoms resolving as the mumps infection subsides. While some studies have explored potential links between early childhood mumps and later fertility, mumps-induced oophoritis generally does not lead to significant long-term impact on female reproductive health.
Prevention and Managing Concerns
Vaccination is the most effective method for preventing mumps and its complications, including those affecting fertility. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is widely recommended, with two doses being 86% to 88% effective. High vaccination coverage helps limit mumps outbreaks.
If mumps is suspected or exposure occurs, consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and management. There is no specific antiviral treatment for mumps; supportive care focuses on alleviating symptoms like pain relief and rest. Complete sterility due to mumps is rare. Vaccination protects individuals and the community by reducing disease incidence and complications.