Health experts have issued a warning over mumps as the infection can affect the fertility of men.
Mumps is viral disease that mainly affects children, with a number of possible problems occurring during the infection as well as some experiencing issues well after the illness passes. If a male suffers with the illness during puberty, the infection may cause a rupture of the testis blood barrier, according to research published in the International Journal of Advanced Research.
The infection can then reduce the number of sperm as well as their ability to swim, with 1 in 10 males who get mumps-related orchitis experiencing a drop in their sperm count, according to the NHS, with this unfortunately leading to infertility in rare cases.
Author of the study, Dr Sahar Mohammed Zaki, explained: “Mumps can cause infertility in males if they are infected after puberty due to the rupture of the testis blood barrier and can affect the sperms either by decreasing the count or motility so it can lead to oligozoospermia (low sperm count) or asthenozoospermia (reduced sperm motility),”
What are the symptoms of mumps?
According to the NHS, symptoms of mumps usually develop between 12 ad 25 days after a person is exposed to the virus.
The most common sign is swelling of the parotid glands. These glands are responsible for producing salvia and are located in either side of the face, just below the ears.
Both glands usually become swollen but is is possible for just one to be affected.
The swelling often causes pain, tenderness and difficulty swallowing.
There are a number of other, more general symptoms that may develop a few days before the swelling. These may include:
- headache
- joint pain
- feeling sick
- dry mouth
- mild abdominal pain
- feeling tired
- loss of appetite
- a high temperature
It is possible for a person with mumps to experience no symptoms with around 1 in six cases going unnoticed.
The infection usually passes in one to two weeks. However, if symptoms do not improve or suddenly worsen it is important to contact a GP for advice.
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