What Is a Hydrocele?

A hydrocele is a swelling in the scrotum, the thin sac that holds the testicles. It happens when too much fluid builds up inside. The condition is most common in newborns, though it can happen to anyone with a scrotum.

It may sound or look serious, even painful, but it won’t hurt your baby. It might go away on its own, though you should still see the doctor about it.

Hydrocele Causes

A hydrocele can start before your baby is born. The testicles grow inside their belly and then move down into their scrotum through a short tunnel. A sac of fluid goes with each testicle. Usually, the tunnel and the sac seal off before birth, and the baby’s body absorbs the fluid inside. When this process doesn’t go as it should, they can get a hydrocele.

There are two types of hydrocele:

Babies born prematurely are more likely to have a hydrocele.

Hydrocele Symptoms

A hydrocele doesn’t hurt. The only symptom you’ll notice is that one or both of the baby’s testicles look swollen. Even if they are not in pain, you should see the pediatrician to make sure they don’t have other health problems that are causing the swelling, such as an infection, a tumor, or a hernia.

The swelling from a noncommunicating hydrocele doesn’t have changes in size. A communicating hydrocele can get bigger during the day, and if you gently squeeze it, the fluid will move out of the scrotum and into their belly.

Hydrocele Diagnosis

When you take your baby to the doctor, they’ll do a physical exam. They’ll check the scrotum for fluid and tenderness, and shine a light through it to see if there’s fluid around their testicle.

Your doctor will also check to make sure your baby doesn’t have a hernia.

Your baby may also have a blood test and an ultrasound to make sure nothing else is causing the swelling.