Hydrocele is the accumulation of fluid in the scrotum around both or one testicle shell. This disease can be of two types: congenital and acquired. If left untreated, the disease can become chronic.
Male testicle anatomy
Both organs are located in the scrotum. They form in the abdominal cavity of the growing fetus, then shortly before birth fall. The testicles are oval, about 4 inches long in an adult male. Together with appendages, they weigh from 20 to 30 grams.
Epididymis is essential for sperm maturation. After that, during ejaculation, they fall into the ejaculatory ducts, whose length is about 50 cm.
Testicular membranes are needed for protection . Their anatomy is such, because they are the central organ for fertility and procreation. In the testes, the male seed matures, fertilizing the female egg.
Causes of hydrocele
In most cases, dropsy occurs in adult men. Statistics say that it is mainly diagnosed in patients who are over 40 years old.
The main causes of the formation of the disease:
Dropsy of the testicle and spermatic cord can occur if there were infectious diseases, inflammation, trauma, or tumors.
If there is generalized edema.
As a result of the blockage of the spermatic cord.
Dropsy can occur due to many sports (martial arts, football, cycling), so you need to protect yourself from injuries.
A condom should always be used during intercourse to significantly reduce the risk of infection. STDs do not always infect the testicles, but this is not uncommon. Better safe than sorry.
In newborns, it occurs as a result of poor blood circulation and the incorrect position of the child in the womb.
In most cases, the cause of dropsy of the testicle is unknown. If there is a tumor in the scrotum, you should immediately consult a doctor.
How to recognize the symptoms of the disease?
The first sign of dropsy of the testicle is an increase in the scrotum. In the main, hydrocele is asymptomatic. In children, it is congenital, and usually goes away before the age of one year without treatment. In men, dropsy of testicular membranes makes itself felt over time, they experience discomfort, since the scrotum swells and becomes heavy. This can make walking or sitting difficult.
Pain depends on the size of the accumulated fluid in the testicles. As a rule, dropsy in the morning is not as felt as during the day. The size of the edema can increase with pressure on the stomach. Children born prematurely have a high risk of developing pathology.
In chronic forms of hydrocele, it may be difficult to urinate and cutting pains in the lower abdomen.
With this disease, you need to be patient, because usually it comes without any symptoms, does not require treatment and gradually disappears.
Hydrocele does not disappear for a long time
If dropsy of the testicle membrane lasts longer than usual, causes severe pain and other symptoms, then consult a doctor for an examination. The disease itself does not bring any serious problems, but the doctor should rule out other serious problems that can cause the same symptoms as hydrocele. They may resemble inguinal hernia, infectious diseases, benign tumors, and testicular cancer.
Hydrocele does not affect reproductive function. But still, if a boy does not have congenital edema up to a year, and in men this condition lasts more than 6 months, you must contact the clinic for further examination.
After the tests, if nothing is found, and the symptoms do not go away and intensify, surgery will be recommended to you, since the drugs are ineffective in this case.
Necessary tests to identify the disease and its causes
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor must conduct a test known as diaphanoscopy. This examination is carried out using the transmission of soft tissue with a beam of light. If the liquid is clear, then this is just dropsy of the testicle shells. If it is cloudy, blood or pus may be present.
To better understand what is happening inside the scrotum, doctors use the following types of tests:
Ultrasound
MRI
CT
Blood and urine tests help rule out the presence of diseases such as epididymitis, mumps, and various STDs. Surgical examination may also be necessary. It is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of hydrocele if the disease is caused by some other pathology.
Surgical Fluid Removal
Surgery is recommended when symptoms persist, and fluid builds up more and more. Surgery involves a small incision in the scrotum or lower abdomen. Then the liquid is drained. This is a simple operation, so further stay in the hospital is not required.
After surgery, the patient needs complete rest for 48 hours. This also applies to intimate life: sex is contraindicated for a week.
Also, the fluid in the testicles can be removed with a syringe and a needle. However, if she is sucked in this way, she may return within a few months.
Another treatment option is sclerotherapy. This is the introduction of a special solution into the scrotum so that the fluid does not begin to accumulate again.
Possible complications after fluid removal:
Signs of infection include groin pain, inflammation, redness, foul odor, and a slight fever.