Hydrocele

How did my son get a hydrocele?

During the eighth month of fetal development, the testicles move from the abdomen into the scrotum. When the testicle travels downward, it brings a sac with it. The sac allows fluid to surround the testicle. This sac usually closes before birth, and the fluid is absorbed in the body.

Closed hydroceles

When the sac closes, but fluid stays in the scrotum, the hydrocele is called non-communicating or closed. This type of hydrocele is often found in newborns. In most cases, the fluid is absorbed by your son's body and goes away in time. It may take up to one year for this to happen.

If your son is older and has this kind of hydrocele, it may indicate other problems, such as infection, torsion (twisting of the testicles) or a tumor.

Open hydroceles

When the sac does not close, the hydrocele is called communicating or open. This means that the fluid around the testicle can flow back up into the abdomen. You might notice that the hydrocele looks smaller when your son's doctor presses on his scrotum. The pressure causes the fluid to flow back into the abdomen.

Are hydroceles dangerous?

Hydroceles are not harmful to the testicles in any way and they don't cause your son any pain.

Sometimes, however, if the sac remains open, a loop of intestine can push through the opening. If your son's scrotum suddenly appears very large and hard, and he will not stop crying, call the doctor right away. Your son may need immediate attention.