A hydrocele is a type of swelling in the scrotum that happens when fluids collect between the testis and tunica vaginalis.
A scrotum is a thin protective tissue sac that holds the testicle. It secretes a lubricating fluid that allows the testis to move freely. Hydrocele happens when this fluid accumulates in the scrotum.
Does Hydrocele Affect Fertility?
Hydroceles are common in newborns and often disappear before they turn one. No treatment is needed to cure it, as it disappears gradually over time.
It may even appear in teenage boys or older men as a result of any injury or inflammation in the scrotal area.
Many experts have researched hydrocele and its effects on infertility. They have proven that hydrocele in children doesn’t necessarily affect later fertility.
Hydrocele mainly affects fertility when the fluid accumulation is too big and suppresses the testes. This can disrupt the blood flow and affects spermatogenesis.
This condition can lead to testicular ischemia, leading to testicular atrophy and impaired fertility. Additionally, a big hydrocele prevents normal sexual activity by enclosing the skin around the penile scrotum.
Having a big swelling in the scrotum can also psychologically affect a man and cause temporary erectile dysfunction. Studies have proven that men with hydrocele have less sex drive than normal men.
Does Hydrocele Affect Sperm Count
To understand the effects of hydrocele on sperm count, it’s essential to distinguish between the condition itself and the underlying causes that may contribute to its development. Here’s what research and medical insights suggest:
Direct Impact
Generally, a hydrocele does not directly affect sperm production or quality. The accumulation of fluid in the scrotum typically doesn’t interfere with the testicles’ ability to produce sperm. Therefore, a straightforward hydrocele, without accompanying issues, should not lower sperm count or affect fertility.
Underlying Conditions
While hydrocele itself may not impact sperm count, the conditions that lead to hydrocele formation can have a significant effect on male fertility. For instance, infections (like epididymitis), injuries, or conditions that cause inflammation of the testicles may harm sperm production. If a hydrocele is symptomatic of such underlying issues, there might be an indirect effect on sperm quality and quantity.
Hydrocele and Testicular Health
In severe or long-standing cases, a large hydrocele can exert pressure on the testicle, potentially affecting its function. This scenario is relatively rare but could impact sperm production if the pressure disrupts the normal temperature regulation or blood supply to the testicle.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing the cause of hydrocele is vital for understanding its potential impact on fertility. Treatment may not be necessary for small, asymptomatic hydroceles. However, if there’s concern about fertility or discomfort, surgical options like hydrocelectomy are available. This procedure involves removing the fluid and, if needed, repairing the surrounding tissue to prevent fluid accumulation.
Symptoms of hydrocele
A hydrocele is generally not that painful. Its only indication will be a slight swelling in one or both testicles. Some people might feel slight discomfort due to the weight of the inflammation.
It could also get painful if the inflammation gets bigger. Sometimes, a hydrocele will be smaller in the morning and grow in size in the evening.
Diagnosis of hydrocele
A hydrocele can be diagnosed through a physical examination by shining a light on the scrotum and observing its shadow. This procedure is called transillumination.
A scrotum is a smooth, straight, and firm structure. If fluid is present in it, the light can permeate its surface and pass through it.
The testicular mass can also be considered during the diagnosis. The hydrocele is a lump in the scrotum and will have some mass.
The doctors can check for pain in the testis, scrotal area. They can also press the stomach and scrotum to check for inguinal hernia.
The hydrocele can be painful for some men. Doctors can also check whether patients feel any pain in the scrotum.
Other than the above tests, patients can also undergo blood and urine tests to check for infections. Ultrasound imaging can also help identify the swelling in the scrotum.
Treatment for hydrocele
As we saw earlier, hydroceles usually disappear on their own in newborns. However, if they don’t, they need to be removed through surgery.
A hydrocele that doesn’t disappear can eventually cause problems to the testicles. The surgery involved is a simple daycare procedure, and patients don’t usually need to stay in the hospital overnight.
Procedure
- A mild anesthetic is administered to the patient to keep them from feeling pain. (there are also anesthetics to make them fall asleep.)
- A small incision (cut) is made in the scrotum or lower stomach.
- A tube is used to drain the fluid from the scrotum. It is then sutured and bandaged.
Follow-up examinations are recommended because the hydroceles may reappear. - Another procedure that can be done to remove hydrocele is by inserting a long needle into the scrotal sac and draining the fluid. This is commonly done in males who are susceptible to complications during surgery.
Conclusion
It is common for men to worry whether hydrocele can affect their fertility. Hydrocele is not a major problem to worry about as it usually goes away after some time. It is only in rare cases that the issue develops and causes problems in the reproductive system.
As long as men visit their fertility doctor and take the necessary precautions, they can navigate this issue smoothly and prevent serious complications.
FAQs
No, hydrocele is not related to infertility. Studies have proven that a hydrocele does not impact a man’s fertility. They are not pathological and usually disappear over time.
No, hydrocele doesn’t affect fertility in men. However, a large hydrocele might affect spermatogenesis by suppressing the testes. They can also affect the sex drive of a person and cause temporary erectile dysfunction.
Hydrocele does not affect the secretion of testosterone (male sex hormone). However, a large hydrocele may affect sexual intercourse.
Hydroceles can affect boys and men at any age, but the most common is during the infant stage.