What causes fluid buildup in testicles
Rachel Hunter
Published Mar 01, 2026
A hydrocele can develop as a result of injury or inflammation within the scrotum. Inflammation might be caused by an infection in the testicle or in the small, coiled tube at the back of each testicle (epididymitis).
How do you get rid of fluid in your testicles?
Treatment. Hydroceles typically go away on their own in children. However, adult men are often required to undergo a hydrocelectomy to get rid of a hydrocele that refuses to disappear. Your doctor will make a small cut in your scrotum to remove the sac that surrounds the fluid.
What happens if hydrocele is not treated?
A non-communicating hydrocele usually remains the same size or has a very slow growth. If a communicating hydrocele does not go away on its own and is not treated, it can lead to an inguinal hernia. In this condition, part of the intestine or intestinal fat pushes through an opening (inguinal canal) in the groin area.
What causes testicular fluid build up?
A small number of hydroceles are caused when something is wrong with one of the testicles (testes). For example, infection, inflammation, injury or tumours of your testicle (testis) may cause fluid to be formed which leads to a hydrocele forming.Will hydrocele go away by itself?
A hydrocele typically goes away on its own within six to 12 months of age. If the hydrocele does not resolve on its own, then it needs to be surgically repaired to prevent further complications.
Does hydrocele cause erectile dysfunction?
Though hydrocele typically presents as a painless mass, it can lead to psychological complications responsible for sexual dysfunction and infertility.
Will swollen testicle go away on its own?
Idiopathic swelling refers to swelling that a doctor has been unable to identify a reason for. This is more common among children, but it can affect males of any age. This type of swelling may appear suddenly. It is painless and usually goes away on its own within around 3–6 days .
Do hydroceles go away in adults?
Hydroceles in adult males often resolve on their own within six months. Hence, apart from treating any other underlying condition, simply leaving hydroceles alone if they cause no symptoms is suggested.What is the most common cause of a swollen testicle?
Males of any age can get epididymitis. Epididymitis is most often caused by a bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Sometimes, a testicle also becomes inflamed — a condition called epididymo-orchitis.
How can I fix my hydrocele without surgery?Inserting a needle into the hydrocele and withdrawing the fluid (aspiration) is an alternative to surgery. After removing the fluid, the doctor injects a chemical inside the sack (sclerotherapy) around the testicle. This helps prevent fluid from building up again.
Article first time published onHow can I reduce my hydrocele without surgery?
Lifestyle modifications. Physical activity is as important as a healthy diet. After confirming with your doctor, you could include exercise in your hydrocele home treatment plan. “Try to avoid any strenuous exercises or yoga asanas that may put pressure on the scrotum and increase discomfort.”
What is best treatment for hydrocele?
For people with very large and uncomfortable hydroceles, surgery to remove them might be the best option. Another treatment option is to drain the hydrocele using needle aspiration . In this procedure, a doctor inserts a long needle into the sac to draw out the fluid.
What are the complications of hydrocele?
Untreated Hydroceles can lead to infection of the fluid and testicular atrophy. A large hydrocele may obstruct the testicular blood supply leading to testicular atrophy and subsequent impairment of fertility. Hemorrhage into the hydrocele can result from testicular trauma.
What happens when a hydrocele bursts?
A large hydrocele may obstruct the testicular blood supply, leading to atrophy and impairment of fertility. There are other complications such as hemorrhage, rupture or calcification of the fluid.
Can you get epididymitis without having an STD?
Other infection: Epididymitis can still spread among men who are not sexually active through a nonsexually transmitted bacterial infection. This can happen if a urinary tract infection or prostate infection is present, causing bacteria to spread to the epididymis. Trauma: Certain groin injuries can cause epididymitis.
What will a urologist do for a hydrocele?
How we treat a hydrocele: The hydrocele is treated by removing the fluid from the sac. The fluid may be removed (“aspirated”) in the office, or the doctor may recommend a hydrocelectomy, the surgical removal of the fluid filled sack. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment option for you.
Can a hydrocele burst?
Occasionally, hydroceles can become significantly enlarged and cause patients to suffer from great discomfort secondary to increased intrascrotal pressure and size. In rare situations, a hydrocele may rupture spontaneously or secondary to trauma, resulting in decompression of the hydrocele.
Is hydrocele operation painful?
This surgery was done to remove the fluid and to stop the buildup of fluid in the scrotum. After your surgery, you may feel more tired than usual and have some mild groin pain for several days. Your groin and scrotum may be swollen or bruised. This usually gets better in 2 to 3 weeks.
Is epididymitis serious?
If left untreated, epididymitis may cause an abscess, also known as a puss pocket, on the scrotum or even destroy the epididymis, which can lead to infertility. As with any infection left untreated, epididymitis may spread into another body system and, in rare cases, even cause death.
At what age is hydrocele expected to resolve?
A noncommunicating hydrocele often goes away on its own by the time a child reaches his first birthday. The fluid is reabsorbed into the body from the pouch. A hydrocele that lasts longer than 12 to 18 months is often a communicating hydrocele. This often needs surgery to prevent an inguinal hernia.
What kind of fluid is in a hydrocele?
A hydrocele is an accumulation of serous fluid in a body cavity. A hydrocele testis is the accumulation of fluids around a testicle. It is often caused by peritoneum wrapped around the testicle, called the tunica vaginalis.
How do you shrink a hydrocele?
- Support of scrotum: You may need to wear a fabric support device similar to a jock strap to decrease swelling.
- Hydrocelectomy: Hydrocelectomy is surgery to remove your hydrocele. …
- Needle aspiration: Healthcare providers put a needle through your scrotum and into your hydrocele.
How big is a large hydrocele?
Giant hydrocele has been defined as a hydrocele having more than 1,000ml of contents1. Clinically, this is difficult to diagnose except by way of investigation such as ultrasound scan or surgery.
Who does hydrocele surgery?
You might be referred to a doctor who specializes in conditions of the urinary and reproductive tract (urologist).
Is hydrocele life threatening?
A hydrocele typically isn’t dangerous and usually doesn’t affect fertility. But a hydrocele might be associated with an underlying testicular condition that can cause serious complications, including: Infection or tumor. Either might reduce sperm production or function.
Is hydrocele cancerous?
They’re usually harmless and rarely need to be treated. Hydroceles are often diagnosed with an ultrasound exam of the testicle and scrotum. In varicocele (VAR-ih-ko-seel), the veins within the scrotum get very large (dilate). This can cause swelling and lumpiness around the testicle.