Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle.

What is going on in the body?

A hydrocele may be present at birth or may develop later in life. Most often, a parent notices a swelling in a child's scrotum caused by the hydrocele. The fluid that fills the hydrocele is normally present in the abdomen. It seeps through a balloon-like structure around the testicle called the tunica vaginalis. The neck of this balloon runs along a structure in both of the testes called the spermatic cord and opens into the abdomen. Normally, this neck is sealed off before birth. If it fails to close, fluid continues to seep through and cause scrotal swelling.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Hydroceles are more common among premature babies. They develop when the canal between the peritoneal cavity and scrotom fails to close. An inflammation or injury to a testicle may cause a hydrocele.

Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

A painless swelling in the scrotum is a sign of a hydrocele. It may occur on one or both sides.

Diagnosis & Tests

How is the condition diagnosed?

During a physical exam, a healthcare provider will find a mass within the scrotum. The fluid in the hydrocele is clear, so a light can be shined through the scrotum. The outline of the testicle will be visible. An ultrasound may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Boys and men should wear an athletic cup that protects the scrotum when playing sports such as baseball and football. Sports safety guidelines can help prevent injury to the testicles. Since hydroceles are more common among premature infants, prenatal care is important to prevent premature birth of a baby.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

If the hydrocele has a big enough opening to let fluid flow in and out, a hernia can occur. When this happens, a piece of the bowel may come down into the scrotum. If the piece of bowel gets stuck outside the abdomen, its blood supply may be cut off and it may die.

What are the risks to others?

This condition is not contagious, so there are no risks to others.

Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the condition?

A hydrocele normally repairs itself within a few months after birth. Surgery is recommended if the hydrocele is still present after a baby is 12 to 18 months old. Hydrocele repair is also done for hydroceles that continue to get larger.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Complications may occur with any surgery. These include:

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Rarely, a child may develop another hydrocele that requires more surgery. Most people recover fully after surgery.

How is the condition monitored?

If surgery is done, a follow-up visit will be scheduled with the surgeon. If surgery is not needed, the size of the hydrocele should be monitored. If the hydrocele contiunes to get larger, surgery may be necessary.