A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle beneath its outer covering. In adults, this occurs because the outer covering produces more fluid than it absorbs. Usually this isn’t caused by anything, but sometimes it is a response to something happening to the testicle itself, such as infection or injury.
Hydroceles can also occur in new born boys. When a child is developing in the womb, the testicles develop within the abdomen. The testis descend through the groin into the scrotum early in life. A hydrocele occurs when the passage from the abdomen to the scrotum does not close fully, allowing fluid from the abdomen to collect in the scrotum.
If the hydrocele is small and doesn’t cause any troubling symptoms, it may not require any treatment.
Please note: the information below does not constitute medical advice. If you have any concerns at all, speak to your GP or consultant.
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We would like to thank Mr Peter Grice and Mr Jaskarn Rai, who has helped produce the information in this section for The Urology Foundation.
A smooth swelling, often engulfing testicle. This can happen in one or both testicles and swell up to fill the scrotum entirely. It is usually not painful.
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The doctor will take your history and examine you.
They may shine a light against the swelling to see if it lights up.
The diagnosis is confirmed with an ultra-sound scan of your testicles. This scan will also look at the testicles themselves, to make sure there is nothing in the testicles that could be causing the problem.
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After the surgery, the structures and cord of the testicle will feel bulkier than the normal side but will be dramatically less swollen. You may encounter some minor swelling over the days following the surgery, but any discomfort can be dealt with through over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol.
You must never attempt to put a needle into the hydrocele yourself. This is because you can damage your testicle or contaminate the fluid. The hydrocele will most likely return, and you could cause an infection that would turn a simple medical problem into a complicated one
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