Male Genitourinary Disorders: Hydrocele

Hydrocele

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Hydrocele in Adults

A hydrocele is a collection of fluid in the scrotum. Most develop for no apparent reason, are harmless and can be left alone. If needed, a small operation can usually cure the problem. In a small number of cases, a hydrocele is due to an underlying problem with a testicle (testis).

 

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The scrotum is normally loose, soft and fleshy. It holds the two testicles (testes). Usually you can easily feel your testes in your scrotum. A tube (the vas deferens) takes sperm from each testicle (testis) to the your penis. It is normal for one testis to hang lower than the other.

 

A hydrocele is a collection of fluid in a sac in your scrotum next to a testicle (testis). It usually occurs on one side but sometimes a hydrocele forms over both testicles (testes).

hydrocele

The normal testis is surrounded by a smooth protective tissue sac. You cannot normally feel this. It makes a small amount of ‘lubricating’ fluid to allow the testis to move freely. Excess fluid normally drains away into the veins in your scrotum. If the balance is altered between the amount of fluid that is made and the amount that is drained, some fluid accumulates as a hydrocele.

 

 

Information on Testicular Lumps and Swellings is available here:

Male Genitourinary Disorders: Testicular Lumps & Swellings

 

 

 

Source: Patient