A hydrocele involves the accumulation of fluid around a testicle, leading to scrotal swelling. This condition is common, particularly in newborns and adults. This article clarifies hydroceles and their potential effects on urination.
What is a Hydrocele?
A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac that forms around a testicle, causing scrotal swelling. It is typically a benign condition, meaning it is not cancerous and usually does not pose a serious health risk. Hydroceles are frequently observed in newborn males, often resolving on their own within the first year or two of life.
In adults, hydroceles can develop due to various factors, including injury, inflammation, or infection within the scrotum. Sometimes, they may arise without an identifiable cause, occurring when the body’s natural fluid absorption process around the testicle is disrupted.
How Hydrocele Impacts Urination
A hydrocele does not typically affect urination directly, as it involves fluid accumulation around the testicle, distinct from the urinary tract. The urinary system, including the bladder and urethra, functions separately from the scrotal sac.
However, a very large hydrocele might indirectly influence urinary sensations. Significant swelling can create pressure in the groin or lower abdomen, which could be perceived as urinary discomfort. Rarely, this pressure might lead to an increased sensation of needing to urinate due to bladder proximity. Urinary symptoms like pain during urination, frequent urination with low discharge, or a weak stream are more commonly linked to other conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or kidney stones. If urinary issues are present, investigating other potential causes is important.
Other Signs and Effects of Hydrocele
The primary and most common sign of a hydrocele is painless swelling in one or both testicles. This swelling can vary in size and may feel like a soft, fluid-filled balloon. Individuals might also experience a sensation of heaviness or fullness in the scrotum.
The size of the swelling can fluctuate throughout the day. While hydroceles are generally painless, discomfort can occur if the hydrocele grows large enough to cause a dragging sensation or interfere with daily activities. Pain is usually absent unless an underlying issue, such as an infection or complication, is present.
Addressing a Hydrocele
If scrotal swelling is noticed, seeking evaluation from a healthcare professional is important. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, where a doctor may shine a light through the scrotum to confirm fluid presence. An ultrasound may also differentiate a hydrocele from other conditions, such as hernias or tumors.
Treatment approaches vary depending on the hydrocele’s size, symptoms, and whether it resolves on its own. Many hydroceles, particularly in infants, do not require intervention and disappear spontaneously. For adults, small, asymptomatic hydroceles may simply be observed. If a hydrocele causes discomfort, becomes very large, or raises concern, treatment options include aspiration (draining fluid with a needle, though fluid may re-accumulate). Surgical removal, known as hydrocelectomy, is a definitive treatment for symptomatic or persistent hydroceles, involving removal of the fluid and part of the sac to prevent recurrence.