What is a Hydrocele and Why Should You Care?
By Dr. David Samadi
Have you ever noticed an unusual swelling in your scrotum? Or maybe you’re a parent wondering about that soft lump on your newborn’s testicles? You’re not alone. For many men and boys, this can be a hydrocele—a fluid-filled sac around the testicles that’s usually painless but noticeable.
What Exactly Is a Hydrocele?
Imagine a small balloon filled with water surrounding one or both testicles. That’s pretty much what a hydrocele feels like. It’s a buildup of fluid inside the scrotum. While the thought of anything unusual in that area can be alarming, hydroceles are generally harmless and don’t threaten your health.
Hydroceles are more common than you might think. Around 10% of newborn boys are born with one. The good news? It usually resolves itself in a few months without any treatment. However, not just babies can get them—hydroceles can also show up later in life, especially after an injury or infection.
Why Does a Hydrocele Happen?
Usually, a small amount of fluid keeps your testicles moving smoothly in the scrotum, kind of like oil in an engine. But when the liquid doesn’t drain properly, a hydrocele forms.
In newborns, the condition is often related to a small opening between the abdomen and scrotum that doesn’t close properly before birth. Hydroceles can develop in older boys and men due to injuries, infections, or even surgery in the groin area. In rare cases, a hydrocele might be a symptom of a more serious issue like testicular or kidney cancer.
What Does a Hydrocele Feel Like?
The classic sign of a hydrocele is a painless swelling in the scrotum. It may feel like a water balloon, and it can be as small as a walnut or grow large enough to cause discomfort when walking or during sex. While many hydroceles cause no pain, some men might feel pressure or mild pain if the swelling gets too big.
When Should You See a Doctor?
It can be easy to brush off a slight swelling, but it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor if you find changes in your testicles or scrotum. A quick visit can rule out more serious problems, such as testicular cancer. Your doctor will likely shine a light through the scrotum (a test called transillumination) to see if it’s a hydrocele or something else. If it’s just fluid, the light will pass through, but if it’s a solid mass, it won’t.
An ultrasound may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and make sure nothing else is going on.
Treating a Hydrocele: When Is It Necessary?
Most hydroceles don’t need any treatment and will go away alone, especially in younger men. But if it’s large, causing discomfort, or making you feel self-conscious, there are options. Surgery (called a hydrocelectomy) is a simple outpatient procedure where the doctor drains the fluid and seals off the passage between the abdomen and scrotum to prevent it from coming back.
If surgery isn’t an option, the fluid can be drained using a needle. However, this method often only provides temporary relief as the fluid may build up again.
Bottom Line
Hydroceles are usually harmless but can be uncomfortable or embarrassing if they get large. The key is to stay aware of any changes and talk to your doctor if you notice something. And remember, in most cases, hydroceles are easily treatable, so there is no need to stress.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board-certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.