A hydrocele is a sac of clear fluid that develops in the scrotum (the loose pouch of skin that holds the testicles). Hydroceles are most often found in newborn babies and can be on one or both sides of the scrotum. In babies, most hydroceles go away on their own.
Men, usually older than 40, can have hydroceles. There is no known way to prevent hydroceles.
Additional information:
- Call your healthcare provider if you have swelling in the scrotal area.
- Get the opinion of a urologist if you’re thinking of surgery.
- Remember there’s 2% chance that the hydrocele will come back after surgery.
- Call your healthcare provider if you notice pain or swelling of a testicle or feel a lump on the
- Contact your healthcare provider if you need a referral to a surgeon (urologist).
- Call your healthcare provider if you have pain, bleeding, or fever after surgery for a hydrocele.
- Remember that hydroceles don’t affect how the testicles work and won’t make you impotent or make you unable to have an erection.
- Do not forget to report lumps or swelling to your primary healthcare provider. Other causes of lumps include spermatoceles, testicular torsion, and testicular cancers.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider.