The hydrocele is the accumulation of fluid inside the scrotum surrounding the testicle, which can leave a little swollen or one testicle larger than the other. Although it is a more frequent problem in babies, it can also happen in adult men, especially after the age of 40.
Normally, the hydrocele does not cause pain or any other symptoms besides swelling of the testis and, therefore, it does not cause lesions in the testicles, nor does it affect fertility, disappearing spontaneously mainly in babies, without needing treatment. If you have pain in the testicles, see what it can be.
As the swelling can also be a sign of more serious diseases, such as cancer, it is always recommended to consult a pediatrician, in the case of the baby, or a urologist, in the case of the man, to confirm the diagnosis of hydrocele.
Hydrocele characteristics
To make sure that it really is hydrocele, the only symptom that should be present is swelling that can affect one or both testicles. The doctor should examine the intimate area, assess if there is pain, lumps, or any other changes that indicate the possibility of another disease. However, ultrasound of the scrotum is the most accurate way to find out if it really is a hydrocele.
How is the hydrocele treated
In most cases the hydrocele in the baby does not need any specific treatment, disappearing on its own within 1 year of age. In the case of adult men, it may be indicated to wait 6 months to check whether the liquid is spontaneously reabsorbed, disappearing.
However, when it is causing a lot of discomfort or with progressive increase over time, the doctor may recommend doing a minor spinal anesthesia surgery to remove the hydrocele from the scrotum.
This type of surgery is quite simple and can be done in a few minutes and, therefore, recovery is quick, being possible to return home a few hours after the surgery, once the effect of anesthesia disappears completely.
Another form of treatment less used and with greater risks of complications and recurrence, would be through aspiration with local anesthesia.
Main causes of hydrocele
The hydrocele in the baby happens because during pregnancy, the testicles have a bag with liquid around it, however, this bag closes during the first year of life and the liquid is absorbed by the body. However, when this does not happen, the bag may continue to accumulate liquid, generating the hydrocele.
In adult men, the hydrocele usually occurs as a complication of blows, inflammatory processes or infections, such as orchitis or epididymitis.
