Hydrocele
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 5, 2023.
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid inside the scrotum. The scrotum holds the testicles. Hydroceles are simple or communicating. A simple hydrocele stays the same size. A communicating hydrocele gets bigger and smaller as fluid flows into and out of the scrotum.
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Pain medicine may be given.
Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for more medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling for help when you want to get out of bed.
Treatment:
A hydrocele will usually go away on its own. Your child's hydrocele will likely go away by the time he is 2 years old. The hydrocele will need to be removed if it does not go away, or it gets very large.
- Support: You may need to wear a fabric support device similar to a jock strap to decrease swelling.
- Hydrocelectomy: Hydrocelectomy is surgery to remove your hydrocele. Healthcare providers make an incision in your scrotum or groin. During surgery for a simple hydrocele, a small incision is made, and the fluid is removed. During surgery for a communicating hydrocele, healthcare providers use stitches to close the tube. The stitches stop the flow of fluid from the hydrocele to the abdomen. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about a hydrocelectomy.
- Needle aspiration: Healthcare providers put a needle through your scrotum and into your hydrocele. The fluid is drained from your scrotum through the needle.
RISKS:
Your hydrocele may not go away on its own. It may get bigger and cause pain or a heavy feeling. You may also have a hernia if you have a communicating hydrocele. If a hernia is not treated, it may cause pain and damage to your organs.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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