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Hydrocele Hydrocele

Hydrocele

Do you notice swelling of one or both testicles?

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Hydrocele

A hydrocele is a painless buildup of watery fluid around one or both testicles that causes the scrotum or groin area to swell. This swelling may be unsightly and uncomfortable, but it usually is not painful and generally is not dangerous. Although hydroceles are common in newborns, they can also occur at any age in later life.

Older boys and adult men can develop a hydrocele due to inflammation or injury within the scrotum.

About 10% of newborn male infants have a hydrocele, which often clears up without any particular treatment within the first year of life. Hydroceles occur in only about 1% of adult men.

SYMPTOMS

Usually, the only indication of a hydrocele is a swelling of one or both testicles and the scrotum feels heavy, like a water-filled balloon.

In most cases an adult hydrocele is painless. However, the swelling of the scrotum may cause some discomfort.

If pain is present, this could mean that more serious conditions including infection or testicular torsion (twisting of the testicle/cord) are present. Pain generally increases with the size of the inflammation. Sometimes, the swollen area might be smaller in the morning and larger later in the day.

You should contact a doctor right away if there is pain.

CAUSES OF HYDROCELE

In Adults

A hydrocele can develop as a result of injury or inflammation within the scrotum. Inflammation might be caused by an infection in the testicle or in the small, coiled tube at the back of each testicle (epididymitis).

Other causes of hydrocele include:

  • Blockage in the spermatic cord.
  • Inguinal hernia surgery.
  • Infection of the scrotum or a testicle.
  • Cancer
  • Trauma

RISK FACTORS

Most hydroceles are present at birth. At least 5 percent of newborn boys have a hydrocele. Babies who are born prematurely have a higher risk of having a hydrocele.

Risk factors for developing a hydrocele later in life include:

  • Injury or inflammation to the scrotum
  • Infection, including a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

A hydrocele typically isn’t dangerous and usually doesn’t affect fertility. But a hydrocele might be associated with an underlying testicular condition that can cause serious complications, including:

  • Infection or tumor. Either might reduce sperm production or function.
  • Inguinal hernia. The loop of intestine trapped in the abdominal wall can lead to life-threatening complications.

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will start with a physical exam. It’s likely to include:

  • Checking for tenderness in an enlarged scrotum.
  • Applying pressure to the abdomen and scrotum to check for inguinal hernia.
  • Shining a light through the scrotum (transillumination). If you or your child has a hydrocele, transillumination will show clear fluid surrounding the testicle.

After that, your doctor might recommend:

  • Blood and urine tests to help determine if you or your child has an infection, such as epididymitis
  • Ultrasound to help rule out hernia, testicular tumor or other causes of scrotal swelling
diagnostics

Lab Test

diagnostics

Testicular Ultrasound

TREATMENT FOR HYDROCELE

Fluid can be removed from a hydrocele with a needle (aspiration). But hydroceles that are aspirated often return, and surgery may then be needed. Aspiration is recommended only for men who are not physically able to have surgery because of the risk of infection and recurrence.

If the hydrocele gets larger or causes discomfort, surgery to remove the hydrocele (hydrocelectomy) may be needed.

DRAINAGE OF HYDROCELE

Once the hydrocele is diagnosed, the least invasive procedure is to have the fluid drained from the scrotum by a needle, which is called aspiration.
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SURGERY

Surgery may be needed to repair/drain a hydrocele if it causes pain, if there might be an infection, or if the hydrocele becomes too large.
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The images and/or videos are not presented as a guarantee of result. The results may vary. Patients gave their consent for the publication of images and/or videos.

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At Steinberg Urology we pride ourselves on our compassionate care we offer to those facing challenges that affect their quality of life. Our urologists have years of experience and a commitment to excellence.

If you need to discuss this sensitive medical concern, schedule a consultation at our clinic in a safe confidential environment. Let us help you achieve optimal health and wellness in a professional setting.

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