Symptoms
The main symptom of hydrocele is a painless enlargement of the scrotum on one or both sides.
In the early stages hydroceles are usually asymptomatic. As they enlarge they bulge out and can become a cosmetic problem.
Symptoms can develop, as the swelling increases in size, which include:
- Heaviness, fullness, or dragging sensations due to an enlarged scrotum.
- There may be mild discomfort radiating along the inguinal area to the mid portion of the back.
- If pain develops in a Hydrocele it is usually an indication of acute epididymal infection.
- The size may decrease with recumbency or increase in the upright position.
- Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting indicate an infection of a hydrocele.
Hydrocele generally causes no interference with sexual activities. However some reports from India have indicated that hydrocele can adversely affect sexual functioning and can cause moderate anxiety or depression. Similar reports are available from Ghana. Some children from developing countries with hydrocele often absent themselves from school due to being stigmatized by their friends. If there is sudden painless enlargement of scrotum in a young man one should rule out a tumor of the testis. Sometimes hydrocele can be associated with a tumor.
