Hydrocele Treatment

 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.

Treatment

In baby boys, a hydrocele sometimes disappears on its own. But for males of any age, it's important for a doctor to evaluate a hydrocele because it can be associated with an underlying testicular condition.

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. If a hydrocele is found during surgery to repair an inguinal hernia, the surgeon might remove the hydrocele even if it's causing no discomfort.

After hydrocelectomy, you might need a tube to drain fluid and a bulky dressing for a few days. Your doctor is likely to recommend a follow-up exam because a hydrocele might recur.

Preparing for your appointment

You might be referred to a doctor who specializes in conditions of the urinary and reproductive tract (urologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

• List symptoms you or your child has had and for how long
• List all medications, vitamins and supplements you or your child takes, including the doses
• List key personal and medical information, including other conditions, recent life changes and stressors
• Prepare questions to ask your doctor

For hydrocele, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What do you think is causing this swelling? Are there any other possible causes?
• What kinds of tests are needed?
• What treatment do you recommend, if any?
• What signs or symptoms will indicate that it's time to treat this condition?
• Do you recommend any restrictions on activity?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions that arise during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions.

If your child is affected, your doctor might ask:

• When did you first notice this swelling? Has it increased over time?
• Is your child in any pain?
• Does your child have any other symptoms?

If you're affected, your doctor might ask:

• When did you first notice the swelling?
• Have you had any discharge from your penis or blood in your semen?
• Do you have discomfort or pain in the affected area?
• Do you have pain during intercourse or when you ejaculate?
• Do you have a frequent or urgent need to urinate? Does it hurt when you urinate?
• Have you and your partner been tested for STIs?
• Do your hobbies or work involve heavy lifting?
• Have you ever had a urinary tract or prostate infection or other prostate conditions?
• Have you ever had radiation or surgery in the affected area?

What you can do in the meantime

If you are a sexually active adult, avoid sexual contact that could put your partner at risk of contracting an STI, including sexual intercourse, oral sex and any skin-to-skin genital contact.