The testes sit inside a sac in the scrotum, bathed in a small amount of body fluid to facilitate their free movement. A hydrocoele is an excessive collection of this fluid around the testis – causing an obvious swelling in the scrotum. Hydrocoeles are usually painless and present no risk to a man’s health.
What causes a hydrocoele?
Hydrocoeles most commonly occur in men aged over 40 years.
In most men the exact cause is unknown – this is referred to as idiopathic.
Occasionally there is a problem with one of the testes, which results in the formation of the excess fluid. Some of the conditions that can result in a secondary hydrocoele include:
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Tumour.
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Infection.
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Trauma.
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Inflammation.
How are hydrocoeles treated?
The majority of hydrocoeles require no treatment at all. They are painless and present no threat to a man’s health. You might consider treatment in the following circumstances:
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It becomes uncomfortable in different positions or activities.
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It becomes embarrassing or unslightly because of its size.
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It becomes infected.
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You would just prefer it gone.
If you do need treatment the options are:
Surgery
This is a day procedure in which a small incision is made in the scrotum, the fluid drained and measures taken to minimise the chance of recurrence. Learn about Hydrocele Repair.
Drainage
The fluid can be drained from a hydrocele. This can be done in the office or outpatient department without an anaesthetic. A needle is passed into the scrotum and the fluid drained. It is not usually a good option as the fluid re-accumulates in the vast majority of cases within quite a short time. It is a reasonable option is quick short term reversal of the swelling is required.