A hydrocele is a buildup of fluid around the testicles, causing swelling of the scrotum. This is more common in newborns.
The testicles first form in the belly (abdomen) of the male fetus. Just before birth, the testicles move down into the scrotum through a tunnel called the inguinal canal. As this happens, the testicles push the belly lining along with them. This forms a pouch around the testicles inside the scrotum. The top of the pouch eventually closes up before birth. Sometimes fluid from the abdomen may pass into the scrotum. This fluid collects in a small sac within the scrotum and looks like a small swelling or bulge there.
This bulge is called a hydrocele (non-communicating type). It's painless and causes no harm. In most cases, the fluid is absorbed during a child's first 1 to 2 years. Sometimes it stays beyond 2 years of age and needs to be fixed with surgery.
Home care
A small hydrocele won't interfere in any way with normal activity. There are no special safety steps that you need to take. You can watch the area as you provide regular daily care.
Call your child's health care provider right away if you notice any changes.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's health care provider, or as advised. This is to be sure the hydrocele is shrinking as expected.
When to get medical advice
Contact your child's health care provider right away if your child has:
-
Pain, redness, or tenderness in the hydrocele.
-
A new bulge in the groin that appears just above the thigh crease or in the scrotum.
-
Changes in the size of the hydrocele. This can mean that it gets smaller, then larger, then smaller. Or it may get larger and stay larger.
-
Testicular pain.
Related Articles
Protein in the Urine (Proteinuria)
Proteinuria occurs when some of the normal protein in the bloodstream ends up in the urine. Protein in the urine will show up on a standard urine test. Protein in the urine can be a sign of serious disease or a harmless temporary condition.
Kidney Bruise
Some injuries can bruise your kidney. This may cause blood to appear in your urine. The blood may be in small amounts that you can't see or it might color your urine pink or light red.
Balanoposthitis
Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis. Posthitis is an inflammation of the foreskin. When these conditions occur together, it is called balanoposthitis.
Blood in the Urine
Blood in the urine has many possible causes. Read on to learn about why this occurs, as well as guidelines for home care and follow-up care.
