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Hydrocele – Symptoms and Causes
Pristyn Care Team
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However, you should note that this condition affects everyone differently, and the need for Hydrocele treatment depends entirely upon the type of hydrocele and how it develops in the body. .
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Table of Contents
What is Hydrocele?
Hydrocele is a urological condition that is common in newborns. However, it can also affect adults. In this condition, a sac of fluid forms around a testicle. The fluid then pools in the thin sheath around the testicle leading to swelling. The condition is relatively painless and doesn’t cause any discomfort. However, you should note that this condition affects everyone differently, and the need for Hydrocele treatment depends entirely upon the type of hydrocele and how it develops in the body.
In kids, this condition goes away on its own by the time the child turns 1 and, therefore, does not require medical intervention. In adults, on the other hand, a hydrocele occurs due to an injury or inflammation within the scrotum and might require treatment. Hydrocele is typically classified into Communicating and non-communicating hydrocele.
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Hydrocele Symptoms
Hydroceles generally aren’t a cause of concern and do not cause painful symptoms. However, in some cases, patients report experiencing swelling or pain in the scrotum. The swelling or pain caused by hydrocele chiefly depends upon the severity of the condition and the size of the hydrocele. The discomfort caused by a hydrocele can affect the sex life in adults and should therefore be diagnosed and treated in time. It can also hinder movement in men.
Some hydrocele patients complain of experiencing heaviness in the scrotum. Others experience swelling that aggravates in the morning and subsides till evening. This swelling generally does not accompany a lot of pain. In communicating hydroceles, the condition can give birth to additional conditions.
As discussed above, hydrocele does not cause concerning symptoms in kids and generally vanishes on its own. However, in some kids, scrotal swelling may occur, leading to severe pain. Therefore, consult a doctor immediately if your child has the condition and won’t stop crying.
Hydrocele Causes
The causes of hydrocele differ in kids and adults. Listed below are the causes, of hydrocele in newborns and adults:
Hydrocele Causes in Newborns
A hydrocele might be present before the child is even born. As the baby develops in the womb, the testicles eventually descend from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum. Each testicle has a sac that allows the fluid to cover the testicles. Once the fluid is fully absorbed, these sacs close. However, sometimes the fluid is not fully absorbed even after the sac is sealed. This leads to the formation of a noncommunicating hydrocele. Mostly, the fluid gets absorbed by the time a child turns 1 year old.
However, in cases of communicating hydrocele, the sac does not close and may even change size over time. Or the scrotal sac can become compressed. This allows the liquid to travel back into the abdomen and may also lead to an inguinal hernia. Communicating hydroceles may also lead to severe swelling.
Hydrocele Causes in Adults
Hydroceles are common in men above 40 years of age. The cause of hydrocele isn’t always apparent. In some cases, hydroceles form due to infection, inflammation, or an injury or tumor in the testicles. These conditions can cause fluid to accumulate in the testicles and may lead to hydrocele formation. In the rest of the cases, hydroceles form due to fluid retention and swelling in the lower half of the body.
When Should You See A Doctor For Hydrocele?
Some people never experience discomfort due to hydrocele. However, in a few cases, hydrocele can lead to painful symptoms that can hamper a person’s day-to-day life. A hydrocele can often lead to added complications such as an inguinal hernia. As for children, if the hydrocele doesn’t vanish within a year, we suggest consulting a doctor and getting it examined. See your doctor if you or your child experience excruciating pain or increased swelling in the scrotum. These signs and symptoms can sometimes indicate a twisted testicle or testicular torsion. In such cases, immediate medical intervention and treatment are essential.
How To Relieve Hydrocele Symptoms At Home?
Hydrocele can cause mild to severe symptoms.. However, in the early stages, it can be managed with some home remedies. Some effective home remedies that can help you manage your hydrocele symptoms and prevent them from burgeoning:
- Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. They will help you feel light and prevent the feeling of heaviness in the hydrocele.
- Treat yourself to a warm- Epsom salt bath. While warm water stimulates blood and fluid circulation, Epsom salt will effectively drain the fluid. Additionally, Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, which will bring down the tenderness in the hydrocele, and would ease out other distressing symptoms as well.
- Hydration is key to maintaining a healthy body. Therefore, keep yourself hydrated with water and other healthy fluids to maintain your overall health and prevent potential hydrocele complications.
- Wear scrotal support to cope with hydrocele symptoms. Scrotal support provides ample support to the scrotum and prevents it from pulling down.
- Curb the swelling and pain with an ice pack. Using an ice pack twice or thrice a week can offer significant relief from the pain and discomfort caused by hydrocele.
Experiencing hydrocele symptoms? Don’t fret! Get in touch with Pristyn Care’s experienced urologist and get an accurate diagnosis and treatment for your condition! Call us directly or fill out our website form to book your appointment today!
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