Overview
A hydrocele is a build-up of fluid in the sac around a testicle, causing a soft, painless swelling of the scrotum. It is common in newborn baby boys, where it usually clears on its own in the first year, and can also develop in adult men from inflammation or injury. It is harmless and not linked to cancer, but because a swollen scrotum has other, more serious causes, any new swelling should be examined to confirm what it is.
Symptoms
- A soft, painless swelling of one or both sides of the scrotum
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Swelling that may vary in size through the day
- Usually no pain
- A swelling that lets light shine through on examination
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for any new scrotal swelling to confirm it is a hydrocele, and urgently for sudden pain, which points to a different problem.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Sudden severe testicle pain and swelling — this is not a hydrocele and may be a twisted testicle, seek care within hours
Causes
In babies, fluid trapped during development; in adults, inflammation, infection or injury of the testicle, and in some regions, filariasis.