Does mumps in children affect fertility?

Mumps in children may have certain impacts on fertility. Mumps, especially epidemic parotitis, can damage reproductive organs such as the testes due to its viral nature. If the virus invades and is not treated promptly or effectively, it may negatively affect sperm quality, thereby influencing the child's future fertility. Specifically, the mumps virus may enter the testes via the bloodstream, causing orchitis, which leads to testicular tissue damage and reduced sperm quality. These effects might not be apparent during childhood but could manifest later in adulthood as fertility issues, such as decreased sperm count, reduced motility, or even infertility. Therefore, once mumps is diagnosed in a child, prompt and active treatment is essential to prevent potential adverse effects on fertility. Treatment options include antiviral drugs, antibiotics, antipyretic analgesics, and, depending on the severity of the condition, surgical interventions such as incision and drainage.