Hydrocele: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is a hydrocele?

Hydrocele is a condition in which the scrotum swells due to a buildup of fluid in it.

Fluid that accumulates around the scrotum may be the result of a disturbance in the tissue layer between the scrotum and the abdominal organs (intestines). In addition, fluid buildup can also be caused by an imbalance in the production and absorption of fluids in the body.

Hydroceles are generally harmless and painless. However, people experiencing this condition may feel uncomfortable.

Hydrocele is more common in babies, even when the baby is still in the womb. However, it is not uncommon for this condition to be experienced by men who are growing up.

Hydrocele can be divided into 2 types, namely:

Noncommunicable

The non-communicating type occurs due to excessive production of fluids and is not balanced by adequate absorption of fluids.

Communicant

This type of communicant is a build-up of fluid caused by the pouch around the testicles not closing completely.

How common are hydroceles?

Hydrocele is a fairly rare condition. This case occurs in about 10% of births of male babies. The percentage also decreases in males who are growing up, namely 1 percent.

This condition generally goes away on its own, especially after the baby is 6 to 24 months old. However, in some cases, the buildup of fluid around the scrotum will remain until the baby grows up.

Hydrocele in babies is more common in cases of preterm birth. Meanwhile, if this condition is found in adulthood, the possible trigger is an infection or sexually transmitted disease.

This disorder can be overcome by reducing the existing risk factors. For more information, you can consult a doctor.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a hydrocele?

A hydrocele is a condition that is usually painless and causes no signs. The only symptom that can be seen and felt is the swelling in the male scrotum.

Although not painful, the lump or swelling usually causes discomfort and a lump in the scrotum area. In adult men, the scrotum or testicles may feel heavier than usual. In some cases, the swelling may feel heavier and fuller in the morning than at night.

If you have a non-communicating type of hydrocele, the swollen area will not change in size.

While the communicant type, the swollen scrotum size can shrink and enlarge in one day. This happens when the swelling is pressed, the fluid can move and move to the abdomen.

Symptoms of this disease may also be accompanied by pain, redness in the scrotum area, and pressure on the lower part of the penis.

This swelling can occur in both testicles. To find out more about the symptoms of this disease, you should consult your doctor.

When to go to the doctor

If you feel any of the signs or symptoms below, you should immediately contact your doctor or the nearest medical professional:

1. You or your child has swelling of the scrotum

Even if you are not sure whether the swelling in the scrotal area is a hydrocele or not, you should still get it checked by a doctor. It is important to know if there are other possible causes of groin swelling.

2. Hydrocele in infants does not disappear after 1 year

If the swelling in the baby's groin doesn't go away after a year has passed, or the swollen area looks bigger, you should take your baby to the doctor immediately.

3. The scrotum hurts

Generally, this condition does not cause pain. So, if there is pain in the swollen area, you must be vigilant and immediately see a doctor. The pain could be the result of a blockage in the flow of blood in the testicles, or there may be other health problems.

What are the complications caused by a hydrocele?

It is very rare to find cases where hydrocele endangers health and affects the fertility of the sufferer.

However, in a few cases, this condition can be associated with problems with the testicles and has the potential to cause serious complications, such as:

1. Infection or tumor

Possible infection or tumor can occur in the scrotum or testicles. In addition, this condition may also affect the decrease in sperm production or function.

2. Inguinal hernia

Inguinal hernia is a condition in which a small portion of the intestine enters the scrotum. If left untreated, this condition may endanger the life of the sufferer.

Cause

What causes a hydrocele?

Hydrocele usually has formed since the baby has not been born and is still in the womb. As it approaches the time of birth, the baby boy's testicles will descend from the stomach into the scrotum. The scrotum is a pocket of skin that holds the testicles down as they descend.

During the development of the baby, each testicle which is covered by scrotal skin will have fluid around it. Generally, this sac will close on its own and the body will absorb the fluid in the first year after the baby is born.

However, in some cases the fluid remains in the scrotum until a hydrocele occurs.

To date, the main reason why this fluid is not absorbed is not known. In adults, this condition can be caused by injury or surgery to the groin area.

Another possibility is inflammation or infection of the epididymis or testicles. In rare cases, a hydrocele may coexist with cancer of the testis or left kidney. This type of hydrocele can occur at any age but is most common in men over 40 years of age.

The following are some of the possible causes that can cause the appearance of a hydrocele:

• Scrotal injury
• Blockage of the blood vessels or nervous system
• Infection of the scrotum or testicles
• Sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STIs)

Risk factors

What increases your risk of getting a hydrocele?

Hydrocele can occur in men of all age groups. However, there are several factors that can increase your risk of suffering from this condition.

Some of the risk factors that can trigger a buildup of fluid in the scrotum are:

1. Born prematurely

Babies who are born prematurely are more at risk for this condition because the closure of the scrotal sac and absorption of fluid in the groin have not occurred completely.

2. Age

In adult men, this condition mostly affects those over 40 years of age.

3. Suffering from an infection of the scrotum

Infections such as epididymitis can be associated with a buildup of fluid in the scrotum.

4. Suffering from sexually transmitted diseases

If you have a sexually transmitted disease or infection, you will be more likely to experience fluid buildup in the groin area.

Medicines & Medicines

The information described is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How do doctors diagnose hydrocele?

If you suspect you have a hydrocele, your doctor will start by doing a physical exam, especially in your groin area. This examination may include checking for tenderness in the scrotum, pressing on the stomach and scrotum if there is a potential inguinal hernia, and the transillumination process.

1. Inguinal hernia test

In addition, the doctor may also check for an inguinal hernia. Usually, you will be asked to cough. In some cases, your doctor may also check your white blood cell count.

2. Transillumination test

Transillumination is the process of shining light through the scrotum. With this examination, the doctor can find out if there is fluid in the scrotum. If fluid is present, transillumination will indicate clear fluid surrounding the testicles.

However, if the transilluminated light cannot penetrate the scrotum and the fluid looks dirty, it is likely that the scrotal swelling is due to cancer or a tumor.

3. Serum alpha-fetoprotein and hCG tests

This test may be done if the doctor suspects the potential for cancer and tumors in the testicles. As many as 10% of patients with testicular tumors will show symptoms of swelling that resemble a hydrocele. Therefore, further examination regarding this potential needs to be carried out.

4. Tests to check for infection

Sometimes, a hydrocele appears due to an infection in the testicles. Your doctor will recommend that you undergo a urinalysis test and a urine culture.

5. Imaging tests

Although photographs or imaging tests are deemed less necessary to diagnose this condition, they can sometimes show other causes or health conditions for the hydrocele, such as tumors, or conditions such as non-communicating hydrocele types.

Some of the imaging tests that may be done include:

• Ultrasound test

This test can provide a clear picture of any potential problems with the testicles, such as spermatoceles or testicular cysts. An ultrasound test can also help differentiate a hydrocele from a hernia, testicular tumor, or other cause of scrotal swelling.

• Duplex ultrasound test

A duplex ultrasound test can show how blood is circulating in the testicles. This test can detect any infection associated with hydrocele, such as epididymitis. Apart from this, a duplex ultrasound test can also diagnose possible varicoceles.

• Abdominal radiograph

This test serves to distinguish an acute hydrocele from a hernia. If there is gas in the groin or groin area, it is possible that the swelling is due to a hernia.

How to treat hydrocele

For male babies, hydroceles generally go away on their own within a year. If the hydrocele doesn't go away after a year or continues to get bigger, it may need to be surgically removed.

For adult men, hydrocele often goes away on its own within 6 months. This condition requires treatment only if it enlarges to the point of causing discomfort or deformity. Later, it may have to be surgically removed.

In the surgical procedure, you will be given an anesthetic first. Surgery begins with an incision in the abdomen or scrotum, depending on where the swelling occurs. Then, the doctor will do the removal of your hydrocele. Depending on the size of the swelling and its location, the doctor may place a drain tube in the area that has been operated on for a few days.

After undergoing the surgery to remove this disorder, it is likely that you will feel a little discomfort or pain in the area that was operated on. Your doctor will advise you not to shower for 5 to 7 days. Strenuous physical activity is reduced as much as possible.

In addition, the doctor will also ask you to come back to do it follow-up after operation. For infants, patients with chronic hydrocele, or patients with other causes of fluid buildup in the scrotum should undergo regular evaluation.

Usually, the doctor will schedule it check-up routine every week, month or every 2 to 3 months. This is done to ensure that the swelling does not come back, and that the size and structure of the testicles have returned to normal.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide health advice, diagnosis or treatment.