A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac around a testicle, causing scrotal swelling. Understanding the implications of an untreated hydrocele is important. This article discusses its progression, risks, and when to seek medical advice.
What is a Hydrocele?
A hydrocele occurs when fluid collects in the sheath surrounding a testicle, causing scrotal swelling. Common in newborns, hydroceles often resolve by their first birthday. Hydroceles can also develop in older children and adults.
There are two main types: communicating and non-communicating. A communicating hydrocele involves an opening between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum, allowing fluid to flow back and forth, which can cause its size to change throughout the day. A non-communicating hydrocele forms when the opening closes but fluid remains trapped around the testicle, and its size typically stays the same or grows slowly. Hydroceles in adults can be primary, often without an obvious cause, or secondary, resulting from factors like injury, infection, or inflammation in the scrotum.
How Untreated Hydroceles Change Over Time
When untreated, a hydrocele can gradually increase in size over months or years. This enlargement results from the continuous accumulation of fluid within the sac around the testicle. As the hydrocele grows, individuals may experience a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the scrotum.
The increasing size of an untreated hydrocele can lead to physical discomfort. Activities such as walking, sitting, or wearing certain types of clothing may become challenging or bothersome. While hydroceles are often painless, a very large one can cause discomfort simply due to its bulk.
Risks and Concerns of Neglecting a Hydrocele
Neglecting scrotal swelling carries the risk of misdiagnosis. It is crucial to determine that the swelling is indeed a benign hydrocele and not a more serious underlying condition such as an inguinal hernia, testicular tumor, or other scrotal mass. Leaving any scrotal swelling undiagnosed can delay treatment for conditions that require prompt medical attention.
While rare, untreated hydroceles can lead to complications. There is a possibility of infection within the fluid, which can cause pain, swelling, and fever, sometimes progressing to a collection of pus (pyocele). Trauma to a large hydrocele could lead to rupture or bleeding into the sac (hematocele). In extremely large, long-standing cases, pressure could compromise blood supply to the testicle, potentially leading to testicular atrophy or impaired fertility.
Beyond physical concerns, a large, untreated hydrocele can have a significant psychological impact. Individuals may experience emotional distress, embarrassment, or anxiety due to the noticeable swelling. This can affect social interactions, body image, and even sexual activity, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction or reduced quality of life.
Identifying When to Consult a Doctor
Seeking medical advice is important for any scrotal swelling to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Any new or unexplained swelling in the scrotum warrants evaluation by a healthcare professional. This is particularly true if the swelling is accompanied by sudden pain or tenderness.
Additional symptoms that require prompt medical attention include a rapid increase in the size of the swelling, redness or warmth of the scrotum, or the presence of fever. For infants, if a hydrocele does not resolve on its own by around one year of age, or if the swelling worsens, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Only a medical professional can differentiate a benign hydrocele from more serious conditions that may present with similar symptoms.