Hydrocoele
What is the scrotum
The scrotum is a sac of skin and muscle that hangs below the penis.
It contains the testicles, the epididymis (where sperm mature), and parts of the spermatic cords (including blood vessels, and the vas deferens).
The organs in the scrotum are responsible for producing the hormone testosterone, and producing, storing, and transporting sperm.
What is a hydrocoele?
A hydrocoele is a mass in the scrotum which occurs due to a build up of fluid around the testicle.
A hydrocoele can occur due to trauma or infection, but often occurs without any identifiable cause.
What are the symptoms of a hydrocoele?
A hydrocoele causes a lump in one side of the scrotum surrounding the testicle.
A hydrocoele often causes no other symptoms. Sometimes it can cause a dull ache in the scrotum.
Hydrocoeles do not affect sperm or tetosterone production by the testicles.
Lump in the scrotum
Scrotal pain
How is a hydrocoele diagnosed?
A hyrocoele can be diagnosed by examination. It is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis with an ultrasound of the scrotum.
How are hydrocoeles treated?
Not all hydrocoeles require treatment. If treatment is required, hydrocoeles can be removed with surgery known as a hydrocoele repair.
