What Causes 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).

What is the main cause of hydrocele? Hydroceles are very common in newborn males and usually disappear within a year. The most common cause is fluid traveling from the abdomen and collecting in the tissue surrounding one or both testicles. In adult males, swelling in the scrotum has many possible causes, including inflammation from infection or injury.

What is best treatment for hydrocele in adults? A hydrocele that doesn’t disappear on its own might need to be surgically removed, typically as an outpatient procedure. The surgery to remove a hydrocele (hydrocelectomy) can be done under general or regional anesthesia. An incision is made in the scrotum or lower abdomen to remove the hydrocele.

How common is hydrocele in adults? How common is a hydrocele? 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, and will often disappear on their own.





Will hydrocele go away by itself in adults?

Hydroceles in adult males often resolve on their own within six months. Hence, apart from treating any other underlying condition, simply leaving hydroceles alone if they cause no symptoms is suggested.

Do hydroceles go away?

Simple hydroceles in children often go away without surgery. In adults, hydroceles usually do not go away on their own. If surgery is needed, it is an easy procedure with very good outcomes. After surgery, a hydrocele can sometimes reoccur.

What kind of fluid is in a hydrocele?

A hydrocele is an accumulation of serous fluid in a body cavity. A hydrocele testis is the accumulation of fluids around a testicle. It is often caused by peritoneum wrapped around the testicle, called the tunica vaginalis.

What happens if hydrocele goes untreated?

A non-communicating hydrocele usually remains the same size or has a very slow growth. If a communicating hydrocele does not go away on its own and is not treated, it can lead to an inguinal hernia. In this condition, part of the intestine or intestinal fat pushes through an opening (inguinal canal) in the groin area.

What happens when a hydrocele bursts?

A large hydrocele may obstruct the testicular blood supply, leading to atrophy and impairment of fertility. There are other complications such as hemorrhage, rupture or calcification of the fluid.

Does hydrocele cause erectile dysfunction?

Though hydrocele typically presents as a painless mass, it can lead to psychological complications responsible for sexual dysfunction and infertility.

Can hydrocele be cured naturally?

Hydroceles generally don’t pose any threat to the testicles. They’re usually painless and disappear without treatment. However, if you have scrotal swelling, see your doctor to rule out other causes that are more harmful such as testicular cancer.

Can a hydrocele pop?

Occasionally, hydroceles can become significantly enlarged and cause patients to suffer from great discomfort secondary to increased intrascrotal pressure and size. In rare situations, a hydrocele may rupture spontaneously or secondary to trauma, resulting in decompression of the hydrocele.

How can I reduce my hydrocele without surgery?

Lifestyle modifications. Physical activity is as important as a healthy diet. After confirming with your doctor, you could include exercise in your hydrocele home treatment plan. “Try to avoid any strenuous exercises or yoga asanas that may put pressure on the scrotum and increase discomfort.”

What infections cause hydrocele?

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).

What causes a man’s balls to swell up?

Scrotal swelling can occur due to injury or an underlying medical condition. It may be caused by a buildup of fluid, inflammation, or an abnormal growth within the scrotum. The swelling may be painless or very painful. If the swelling is painful, seek emergency treatment.

How does hydrocele feel?

A hydrocele feels like a small fluid-filled balloon inside your scrotum. It feels smooth and is mainly in front of one of your testicles (testes). Hydroceles vary greatly in size. Very large hydroceles are sometimes seen in elderly men who have never shown their swelling to a doctor.

What are the complications of hydrocele?

This is a preoperative problem in patients with hydrocele. As mentioned above, the complications include sexual dysfunction, infertility, rupture, pain, pyocele, infection, Fournier’s gangrene, hematocele, intertrigo, scrotal calculi, hydrocele stones, appendicitis, and testicular ischemia.

How large can a hydrocele get?

Giant hydrocele has been defined as a hydrocele having more than 1,000ml of contents1. Clinically, this is difficult to diagnose except by way of investigation such as ultrasound scan or surgery.

Is hydrocele cancerous?

They’re usually harmless and rarely need to be treated. Hydroceles are often diagnosed with an ultrasound exam of the testicle and scrotum. In varicocele (VAR-ih-ko-seel), the veins within the scrotum get very large (dilate). This can cause swelling and lumpiness around the testicle.

Does ice help hydrocele?

To help reduce swelling, you may use an ice pack for the first 24 – 48 hours, then as needed. Use the ice pack for 20 – 30 minutes on, then 20 – 30 minutes off. You may have a temporary drain called a Penrose to drain any extra fluid and blood.

Does exercise help hydrocele?

Exercise may cause a temporary decrease in the size of a hydrocele, and occasionally, a hydrocele may resolve spontaneously. Aspiration of fluid from a hydrocele usually gives only transient relief because the fluid soon re-forms.

Do hydroceles keep getting bigger?

This kind of hydrocele gets bigger and smaller. Size changes are caused by fluid flowing through a tube from the abdomen into the scrotum. This occurs when the tube does not close as it should. The hydrocele may grow larger when you are active.

How successful is hydrocele surgery?

Inguinal repairs of communicating hydroceles are exceedingly successful, with a less than 1% recurrence rate. If a unilateral approach is completed, the small but recognized risk for a metachronous hydrocele or inguinal hernia developing remains, but the rate is likely less than 10%.

What will a urologist do for a hydrocele?

How we treat a hydrocele: The hydrocele is treated by removing the fluid from the sac. The fluid may be removed (“aspirated”) in the office, or the doctor may recommend a hydrocelectomy, the surgical removal of the fluid filled sack. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment option for you.