Hydrocele

Hydrocele

The Common But Little-Known Condition of Men's Mature Years. Hydrocele is the painful swelling of the testes .Most hydroceles occur in adults and are most common in men aged over 40 years. The cause is not known in most cases. A small number of hydroceles are caused when something is wrong with one of the testes. For example, infection, inflammation, injury or tumours of a testis may cause fluid to be formedwhich leads to a hydrocele forming. Sometimes hydroceles develop when there is generalised swelling of the lower half of the body due to fluid retention.. 

Treatment
It can be painlessly relieved. Tapping (removing fluid with a long needle) is the method usually resorted to for removal of the fluid in hydrocele. This, however, does not remove the cause of  the trouble but only its effects. The correct way in which the condition can be really dealt with successfully is through constitutional treatment. Such a treatment should aim at removing the underlying toxicity of the system which is at the root of the trouble. The sufferer from hydrocele should begin with an exclusive fresh fruit diet for seven to ten days. In this regimen, he should have three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits, such as apples, pears, grapes, grape-fruit, oranges, pineapple, peaches, melon or any other juicy fruit in season but no bananas or dried, stewed or tinned fruit, and no other foodstuff whatever. For drinks, lemon water unsweetened or water either hot or cold may be taken. If constipation is habitual, all steps should be taken for its eradication. During this period the bowels should be cleansed daily with a warm water enema.


Leaving it alone can be an option
In adults, if the hydrocele causes no symptoms, one option is simply to leave it alone. If it becomes larger or troublesome, you can always change your mind and have treatment.

Surgery
Surgery may be recommended if your hydrocele is large or uncomfortable. The operation for a hydrocele involves making a very small cut in the scrotum (or lower abdominal wall). The fluid is then drained from around the testicle. The passage between the abdomen and the scrotum will also be sealed off so the fluid cannot reform in the future. This is a minor operation and is performed as a day case so does not usually involve an overnight stay in the hospital.

Drainage
The fluid can be drained easily with a needle and syringe. However, following this procedure, it is common for the sac of the hydrocele to refill with fluid within a few months. Draining every now and then may be suitable though, if you are not fit for surgery or if you do not want an operation.