Hydroceles
Find a urologistA hydrocele is swelling that occurs due to fluid buildup in the sac around the testicle, known as the scrotum. Hydroceles can develop at any age, but they are more common in babies and infants.
At Aurora Health Care, you can rest easy knowing our team of experienced urologists is here to provide compassionate hydrocele care. We use the latest treatment and diagnostic testing to ensure you get the treatment you need.
What is a hydrocele?
When fluid fills up the sac in the scrotum in males or those assigned male at birth, this is known as a hydrocele. Swollen testicles are a common sign of a hydrocele. Typically, hydroceles are not painful and don't pose a serious risk.
Hydroceles often disappear on their own in infants within the first year of life. Babies can develop hydroceles before they are born.
Hydroceles might persist and require medical attention in older individuals, including surgery. They may also be an early sign of testicular cancer. Although rare, hydroceles can cause an inguinal hernia, which can become life threatening.
Types of hydroceles
There are two types of hydroceles: communicating and noncommunicating hydroceles.
- Communicating hydrocele: These occur when the sac doesn’t close and allows fluid to flow in and out and into the abdomen. Communicating hydroceles often occur in fetal development.
- Noncommunicating hydrocele: This type of hydrocele occurs when the sac closes but the fluid doesn’t get absorbed by your body. Noncommunicating hydroceles may form before birth or in adults.
Hydrocele causes
In infants, hydroceles are commonly part of the development in a mother’s womb. They form when abdominal fluid can flow into the scrotum if the sac doesn’t close. Even if the sac does close, fluid may remain in the scrotum.
Injuries to the scrotum or an infection are typically the cause of hydroceles in older children and adults.
Hydrocele symptoms
Most commonly, hydrocele symptoms include scrotal swelling of one or both testicles. Other noticeable symptoms include:
- Swelling that changes in size throughout the day
- Pain in the scrotum
- Discomfort in the groin area when sitting
Diagnosis of hydroceles
To get a hydroceles diagnosis, your Aurora urologist will complete a physical examination and ask about your potential hydrocele symptoms. They may also apply pressure to the groin area and ask you to cough to examine the scrotal swelling. This helps rule out inguinal hernias or a testicular hernia. Most of the time, no further testing is needed.
In some cases, your provider may order imaging tests to confirm their hydrocele diagnosis, such as a CT scan, pelvic ultrasound or X-rays.
Hydrocele treatment options
In most cases, a hydrocele will go away on its own and not require any treatment. It is still a good idea to have your provider check a hydrocele because it can lead to serious complications, such as a testicular cyst, tumor or inguinal hernia.
If your hydrocele doesn’t go away on its own, it may require same-day surgery to drain the fluid buildup in the scrotum. After surgery, you may have a bandage and a tube to drain fluid for a few days.
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