Often a hydrocele will resolve itself without treatment
. However, as a hydrocele grows larger, it can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort in the scrotum and may need surgical repair.
How can I fix my hydrocele without surgery?
Another option for hydrocele treatment is to
drain it with a long needle
. The needle is inserted into the sac to draw out the fluid. In some cases, a drug may be injected to prevent the sac from filling again. Needle aspiration is commonly performed on those who are at high risk for complications during surgery.
How long can a hydrocele go untreated?
If the hydrocele does not go away within
6 to 12 months
, it may need to be surgically repaired to prevent more serious complications.
How can I reduce my hydrocele size?
There are no medications available to treat a hydrocele
. A hydrocele usually does not need to be surgically repaired. A hydrocele typically goes away on its own within six to 12 months of age. If the hydrocele does not resolve on its own, then it needs to be surgically repaired to prevent further complications.
Can you live with a hydrocele?
A hydrocele
typically isn’t dangerous and usually doesn’t affect fertility
. But a hydrocele might be associated with an underlying testicular condition that can cause serious complications, including: Infection or tumor. Either might reduce sperm production or function.
When should hydrocele be repaired?
Most hydroceles in infants will go away by the time they are 2 years old. Your surgeon may recommend hydrocele repair if the hydrocele:
Becomes too large
.
Causes problems with blood flow
.
How large can a hydrocele get?
Giant hydrocele has been defined as a hydrocele having
more than 1,000ml
of contents
1
. Clinically, this is difficult to diagnose except by way of investigation such as ultrasound scan or surgery.
What food is good for hydrocele?
- You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
- You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. This is common.
How can repair hydrocele?
The surgeon makes a small surgical cut in the fold of the groin, and then drains the fluid. The sac (hydrocele) holding the fluid may be removed. The surgeon strengthens the muscle wall with stitches. This is called a hernia repair.
What happens if a hydrocele is left untreated?
Untreated Hydroceles can lead to
infection of the fluid and testicular atrophy
. A large hydrocele may obstruct the testicular blood supply leading to testicular atrophy and subsequent impairment of fertility. Hemorrhage into the hydrocele can result from testicular trauma.
Is hydrocele a major surgery?
This surgery is
a relatively minor one
and most patients return home the same day. It is recommended that patients apply ice packs to the area for 24 hours following the procedure and they should take pain relievers such as ibuprofen.
Can a hydrocele burst?
Occasionally, hydroceles can become significantly enlarged and cause patients to suffer from great discomfort secondary to increased intrascrotal pressure and size.
In rare situations, a hydrocele may rupture spontaneously or secondary to trauma, resulting in decompression of the hydrocele
.
How do I treat a swollen testicle at home?
- using ice on the scrotum to relieve swelling, normally within the first 24 hours of noticing the swelling.
- taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- wearing athletic support.
- using a sitz or shallow bath to reduce swelling.
- avoiding strenuous activities.
Can hydroceles cause erectile dysfunction?
Though hydrocele typically presents as a painless mass,
it can lead to psychological complications responsible for sexual dysfunction
and infertility.
Can a hydrocele get too big?
This kind of hydrocele gets bigger and smaller. Size changes are caused by fluid flowing through a tube from the abdomen into the scrotum. This occurs when the tube does not close as it should.
The hydrocele may grow larger when you are active
.
How serious is hydrocele surgery?
Hydrocelectomy is usually successful, and
major complications are very rare
. Another hydrocele can form after surgery, requiring additional treatment, but this isn’t common. Contact your doctor promptly if you start having swelling and pain in your scrotum again.
