Hydrocele in Males

Hydrocele occurs in males when fluid fills the scrotum, which is the sac under the penis that contains the testicles. Fluid can surround one or both testicles, causing swelling in the scrotum. Although the condition is much more common in baby boys, it may also occur in adult men. About 10 in 100 male infants have a hydrocele at birth which often clears up without 6 months to 1 year.

HOW DO MALES GET HYDROCELE

In the womb a males testicles begin to develop near the kidneys. Once the baby is born, their testicles normally drop from their position inside the abdomen into the scrotum through a tunnel of muscles called the inguinal canal. If the peritoneal sac in the canal is some how reopened, fluid may leak from the abdominal into the scrotum and cause a hydrocele. If there is some inflammation in the cell linings of the sac surrounding the testicles, a hydrocele can result. Other causes of hydrocele include:

• Swollen testicles.
• Blockage in the spermatic cord.
• Erection issues
• Inguinal hernia surgery.
• Infection of the scrotum or a testicle.

SYMPTOMS

In adult males hydrocele is not a painful issue. More so, an uncomfortable situation due to the enlargement of the scrotum sac, the following reasons:

• Your scrotum pokes out of your clothes
• When you sleep uncomfortable when lying on stomach

DIAGNOSIS

Generally your Doctor or provider will conduct a physical exam, order an ultrasound or have you do a blood and urine test.

TREATMENT

 If your scrotum becomes enlarge or misshaped surgery will be recommended by the doctor. The surgery will require a small incision on the side of your scrotum, the hydrocele will be drained with a small tube and the elastic of the hydrocele bubble will be wrapped so that it can not reform.

NOTE: If you are experiencing this issue please contact your healthcare provider.