Ever heard of hydrocele in children?
Hydrocele is the buildup of fluid in the scrotum, the sac that holds the testicles. This condition is most common in newborns but can affect boys and men of any age. In most cases, hydroceles are harmless and will resolve on their own within a few months. Learn more about what it is in this article.
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What Is Hydrocele?
Hydrocele in children is a collection of fluid in the scrotum. It often develops in newborns and infants but can also occur in older children. A hydrocele differs from a hernia, a tissue protrusion through an abdominal wall opening.
A hydrocele may be present from birth or develop later in life. It does not cause pain or affect fertility but can cause discomfort if it becomes too large. In most cases, your doctor will recommend watching and waiting for the condition to resolve on its own without treatment.
Crying baby
Types of Hydroceles
There are two main types of hydroceles: noncommunicating and communicating. Noncommunicating hydroceles happen when the sac that holds the testicle is not connected to the rest of the body. This type of hydrocele is usually benign and does not require treatment.
On the other hand, communicating hydroceles occurs when the sac surrounding the testicle is connected to the abdomen. This type of hydrocele can be more serious, as it can lead to an increased risk of infection. If your child has a communicating hydrocele, they may need surgery to repair the connection between the sac and the abdomen.
Congenital Hydrocele
Congenital Hydrocele is a condition where fluid collects in the scrotum. It most often occurs on one side of the scrotum but can also affect both sides.
Congenital Hydrocele is a relatively common condition, affecting about 1 in every 100 newborns.
Congenital Hydrocele can range from small to large, depending on its cause and how much fluid has accumulated there. The condition is usually painless, but sometimes it might cause discomfort or swell around the scrotum if there’s too much fluid inside it.
How Will You Know If Your Child Has Hydrocele?
The best way to tell if your child has this condition is by feeling his scrotum for swollen testicles. You’ll be able to feel a soft lump under one or both of his testicles if they’re swollen from hydrocele.
Scrotum size can also tell if your child has hydrocele. You may also notice that one side of your child’s scrotum looks larger than the other side—this is another sign that he has Hydrocele and should see his doctor right away.
What Are the Symptoms of a Hydrocele in Children?
Hydrocele is a condition that can affect children and adults. The scrotum swells, and fluid accumulates. An inguinal hernia is often the cause.
Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- Swelling or bulging in one side of the scrotum
- Pain in the groin area or lower abdomen
- A lump under the skin on the affected side of your child’s scrotum
- Tenderness when your child has a bowel movement
What Causes a Hydrocele in Children?
Hydroceles can develop in adults and children but are most common in infants. There are several different causes of hydroceles in children, including:
- Injury or infection to the scrotum or testicles,
- Congenital (present at birth) abnormalities of the lymphatic system,
- Tumours of the testicles or surrounding tissues.
- The amount of fluid produced by the body and the amount reabsorbed back into the bloodstream is imbalanced.
Most hydroceles are benign and require no treatment. However, if a hydrocele is large or causes pain, surgery may be necessary to remove the fluid and relieve symptoms. In some cases, a hydrocele may signify a more severe condition, such as testicular cancer. Therefore, you must see a doctor if you notice any swelling in your child’s scrotum.
Baby boy
What Are the Treatment for Hydrocele in Children
The prognosis for Hydrocele in children is very good. In most cases, it will resolve within two to three months. However, if the Hydrocele does not resolve within this period, it may need to be removed surgically.
The treatment for Hydrocele depends on the severity of the condition and how long it has been present. Treatment options can include:
Observation
If your child has a small hydrocele that doesn’t cause discomfort, you may only need to watch their symptoms closely to ensure they don’t worsen over time. The fluid may eventually disappear on its own as your child grows older. Your doctor may suggest waiting before treating the Hydrocele if your child’s testicles or scrotum seem shrunken or if there’s no associated pain.
If you have a child diagnosed with Hydrocele, it’s crucial to ensure that you know how to care for them properly. Here are some tips:
- Please keep your child on their back as much as possible. It will help keep the Hydrocele from expanding and causing pain or discomfort.
- Ensure your child gets enough rest, so they don’t feel too tired when awake (or fall asleep while standing up).
- If your child is old enough to walk around, make sure they do so while seated on a pillow between their legs—this will help keep pressure off their groin area and prevent swelling from occurring inside their scrotum.
Surgical Removal
Suppose your child has a large hydrocele or one that has caused their testicles to become swollen and enlarged. Surgery may be recommended to remove the excess fluid around his testicles so they can return to normal size.
Surgery is only recommended if your child’s Hydrocele has not improved after several weeks of observation without any noticeable increase in size or pain during that period.
READ MORE:
Caring for your baby boy’s genitals: A guide for parents
Boys Genital Infection: Common Penis Problems Every Parent Should Know
How Serious Is a Hydrocele in Children?
Complications include:
- Swelling that extends into the abdomen (inguinal hernia)
- Infection
- Torsion (twisting) of the spermatic cord
- Testicular torsion (twisting) causes blood clots in veins within testicles, causing severe pain on one side only.
Can My Baby’s Hydrocele Get Worse Over Time?
- Your baby’s Hydrocele is getting bigger. It can happen because the fluid inside the sac is expanding. Or because there’s a buildup of fluid outside of the sac. Both situations require immediate attention because they can lead to complications like infection and inflammation.
- Your baby is acting differently than normal—for example, if they have trouble breathing, are lethargic or crying all the time, or generally seem uncomfortable or in pain. These are signs that something may be wrong with their Hydrocele or other parts of their body that could require medical treatment.
Putting a diaper on baby with hydrocele
When to See the Doctor
Hydrocele is a common condition in children characterised by the accumulation of fluid around the testicles, leading to swelling. While most hydroceles resolve on their own, it is important to know when to seek medical attention. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to consult a doctor regarding hydrocele in children.
- Sudden and severe pain in the scrotum or testicles
- A rapid increase in the size of the hydrocele
- Redness, warmth, or tenderness in the scrotum
- Difficulty urinating or experiencing blood in the urine
- High fever accompanied by hydrocele symptoms
- Unusual changes in bowel movements or signs of abdominal discomfort
- Persistent discomfort or persistent hydrocele beyond the age of 2 years
- Signs of infection, such as pus or foul-smelling discharge from the scrotum
- Any concerns or worries about your child’s hydrocele
Remember, if you notice any of these signs or have any concerns about your child’s hydrocele, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance.
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