male hormone with fever

Overview

This article explains the link between a fever and male hormones, mainly testosterone. A fever is your body's way of fighting an infection. Some infections can affect the testicles, where testosterone is made, and cause fever. When this happens, you may also notice changes in your energy, mood, or sexual function. Most of the time, treating the infection helps your hormone levels return to normal.

Fevers are very common, but having a fever along with testicular pain or swelling is less common. It is important to see a doctor if you have these symptoms.

Men of all ages can be affected. Young men are more likely to get infections from sexually transmitted bacteria, while older men may develop urinary tract infections that spread to the testicles.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever or chills
• Pain, swelling, or tenderness in one or both testicles
• A heavy feeling in the scrotum
• Pain when urinating or a frequent need to urinate
• Pain during ejaculation
• Fatigue or feeling unwell

Symptoms in children

• A child with a fever and groin pain should be seen by a doctor quickly. This could be a sign of an infection or a condition called testicular torsion, which is an emergency.
• Watch for a child who is very sleepy, fussy, or has a swollen and tender scrotum.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older men with a fever and a urinary infection may feel confused or more tired than usual.
• They might not feel pain as clearly, but swelling and fever still require urgent medical advice.

Causes

Main causes

• Bacterial infection of the epididymis (the tube at the back of the testicle) or the testicle itself, often called epididymitis or orchitis
• Viral infections, such as mumps, which can cause inflammation of the testicles
• Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea
• Urinary tract infections that spread to the male reproductive system
• Rarely, testicular torsion (twisting of the spermatic cord), which is a surgical emergency

Risk factors

• Unprotected sex with a new partner
• A history of urinary tract infections or prostate infections
• Recent urinary tract surgery or use of a urinary catheter
• A weakened immune system due to illness or certain medicines
• Not being vaccinated against mumps

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number right away.
• If you have severe testicular pain, especially if it came on suddenly, go to an emergency department immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a fever that lasts more than two days and you also have discomfort in the groin or testicles, see a doctor within 24 hours.
• If you notice swelling or a change in the size or feel of a testicle, make an appointment to see a healthcare provider.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, your sexual history, and any recent illnesses. They will also do a physical exam, including checking the testicles and prostate for tenderness or swelling.

Tests that may be done

• A urine test to look for bacteria or white blood cells
• Blood tests to check for signs of infection and to measure hormone levels, such as testosterone
• An ultrasound of the scrotum to see if blood flow is normal and to rule out torsion or an abscess

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor may gently press on the testicles and ask you to stand or cough. This is usually quick. If the cause is not clear, you may be referred to a specialist, such as a urologist, for further testing.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause. If bacteria are causing the infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed. Viral infections need rest and time to heal. For pain, your doctor can recommend medicines that reduce inflammation and fever. In all cases, drink plenty of fluids and rest until the fever goes away.

Self-care at home

• Rest and stay in bed until the fever drops
• Drink plenty of water or clear fluids to avoid dehydration
• Place a cool compress on your forehead but avoid ice directly on the skin
• Wear supportive underwear, such as briefs, to ease discomfort
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until the pain improves

Medical treatments

If an infection is bacterial, doctors will prescribe antibiotics. You should take the full course even if you feel better. For viral infections, treatment is mainly supportive. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers can help reduce swelling and fever. If your testosterone level drops during the illness, it usually recovers by itself once the infection is treated.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be necessary if an abscess (a pocket of pus) forms in the testicle and needs to be drained, or if testicular torsion is diagnosed, which requires emergency surgery to save the testicle.

Living with this condition

While you are recovering, give your body time to heal. Follow your doctor's advice, take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed, and keep follow-up appointments so the infection is fully cleared.

Lifestyle tips

• Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections
• Avoid ejaculation if it causes pain
• Take regular breaks and walk gently to improve blood flow
• Do not use tobacco or excessive alcohol, as these can slow healing

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and protein to support recovery. Drink plenty of water. Mild movement is fine once the fever is gone, but avoid cycling or other activities that put pressure on the scrotum until pain resolves.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Feeling unwell and worried about your reproductive health can cause stress or anxiety. It is normal to feel concerned. Talk to your doctor about your worries, and remember that most infections are treatable and hormone levels usually return to normal.

Prevention

There are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of infections that cause fever and affect male hormones. Practice safer sex, stay hydrated, urinate after sex, and keep your immune system strong with good sleep and nutrition. Protecting against mumps through vaccination is also important.

Vaccines

The MMR vaccine protects against mumps, which can cause testicular inflammation. If you have not been vaccinated, ask your healthcare provider about whether you should receive it.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for testicular infections, but regular check-ups and prompt attention to urinary symptoms can help catch problems early. Let your doctor know if you have any concerns about your testicles or hormone levels.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection may spread or cause an abscess in the scrotum
• Permanent damage to the testicle, which can lead to reduced fertility
• A drop in testosterone levels that does not recover, causing low energy, low libido, or mood changes
• Chronic pain or long-term discomfort in the testicles

Long-term outlook

With early and proper treatment, the majority of men recover completely. Testosterone levels usually return to normal after the infection clears, and most men do not have lasting fertility problems. Even if complications occur, there are effective treatments to manage symptoms and preserve quality of life.

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