Hydroceles

·       Hydroceles occurs when fluid in the scrotum sac of the penis fills. 10 in 100 male infants experience hydrocele at birth. Hydroceles does not usually cause symptoms. While the swelling may be worrisome to new parents, it doesn’t bother the baby and usually goes away in the first year of life. In older males who experience hydroceles it’s painless. However, the increased size of the scrotum can cause discomfort. Talk to your doctor if you think you have hydroceles. Your doctor can evaluate you and discuss treatment options. 

Definition 

Hydroceles occurs when fluid in the scrotum sac of the penis fills. 10 in 100 male infants experience hydrocele at birth. Hydroceles does not usually cause symptoms. While the swelling may be worrisome to new parents, it doesn’t bother the baby and usually goes away in the first year of life. In older males who experience hydroceles it’s painless. However, the increased size of the scrotum can cause worry and discomfort. 

Hydroceles in babies happens during pregnancy when the muscle lining opens in the scrotum. This is known as the inguinal ring and it lets the testes drop from the abdomen, forming a sac or canal. If the inguinal ring remains open or reopens, a small amount of fluid can move from the stoma cot to the scrotum. Hydroceles can also develop due to swelling or injury of the scrotum. 

Surgery is needed to treat hydroceles only if it causes bothersome symptoms, becomes larger or shows a change in size during the day. 

Talk to your urologist about your concerns and he or she will discuss your symptoms and talk with you about next steps and treatment options.