What symptoms does testicular hydrocele cause?

Testicular hydrocele may cause scrotal swelling, swelling, pain and other symptoms. Testicular hydrocele refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the vaginal cavity, which may be related to factors such as increased vaginal secretion, decreased absorption, or obstruction of lymphatic return.

1. Scrotal swelling

Scrotal swelling is the most typical symptom of testicular hydrocele, which manifests as an increase in the size of one or both sides of the scrotum and tight and shiny skin. When the amount of fluid accumulation is small, the scrotum may only show slight swelling. When the amount of fluid accumulation is large, the scrotum may be pear-shaped or spherical. The degree of swelling is often related to body position. It may decrease when lying down and worsen after standing or doing activities. Hydrocele is usually a painless swelling, but long-term accumulation of fluid may cause pressure and thinning of the scrotal skin.

2. Feeling of bloating

Patients often complain of a heavy sinking feeling in the scrotal area, especially after prolonged standing, walking or physical activity. This discomfort is caused by the gravity of the fluid pulling on the spermatic cord and surrounding tissues, which may radiate to the groin area. Infants and young children may present with irritability, crying, and frequent scratching of the scrotum. The feeling of bloating may subside after resting at night, but recurs during daytime activities.

3. Pain

Simple hydrocele usually does not cause severe pain, but significant tenderness may occur with secondary infection or intrathecal hemorrhage. In the acute inflammatory stage, the scrotal skin becomes red and the skin temperature increases, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever. If chronic fluid accumulation compresses the testicular blood vessels or nerves, it may cause dull or dull pain. If you experience sudden severe pain after strenuous exercise or trauma, you should be alert to emergencies such as testicular torsion.

4. Abnormal urination

A huge hydrocele may compress the urethra or bladder, causing symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty urinating. Infants and young children may cry when urinating and have thin urine lines. This kind of mechanical obstruction usually develops gradually and can cause urinary retention in severe cases. However, attention should be paid to distinguishing it from urinary symptoms caused by prostate disease, urinary tract infection, etc.

5. Impact on fertility

Long-term untreated testicular hydrocele may affect fertility. Increased temperature in the scrotum can interfere with sperm production, and pressure from fluid accumulation can cause testicular atrophy. Patients with severe bilateral effusion may experience reduced semen quality. Adolescent patients need to pay more attention to testicular development, as persistent fluid accumulation may hinder the normal sexual maturation process.

If you find abnormal swelling of the scrotum, you should seek medical examination promptly. Ultrasound examination can determine the amount and nature of the fluid accumulation. Primary hydrocele in infants and young children may be absorbed by itself with age, while secondary hydrocele in adults requires treatment of the primary disease. Daily trauma to the scrotum and strenuous exercise should be avoided, and loose and breathable underwear should be chosen to reduce pressure. Pay attention to controlling salt intake in the diet to reduce body fluid retention, and moderately raising the scrotum can help promote lymphatic return.