Description
A hydrocele is a collection of clear fluid within the scrotum, the sac that also contains the testicles. It can occur on one or both sides of the scrotum. Signs and symptoms associated with a hydrocele include a non-painful swelling found on one or both sides of the scrotum. Nearly 10 percent of males are born with a hydrocele. However, they can affect males of any age.
Causes of hydrocele
The cause of a hydrocele is an error in embryonic development that allows fluid to seep into the scrotal sac. Hydroceles are caused by the accumulation of fluid in the scrotum, surrounding one, or less often both, of the testes. In most cases, the condition is congenital or present at birth. Before birth, the testicles develop in the abdomen. A few weeks before the baby boy is born, they descend connected to a tube (called the process us virginal’s) to the scrotum. A hydrocele can develop before birth. Normally, the testicles descend from the developing baby’s abdominal cavity into the scrotum.
- In adults it occurs due to trauma, inflammation or tumor which results in increased secretion of serous fluid by the scrotal lymphatics or venous system.
- Idiopathic or no known cause.
- Tuberculosis, dropsy, gonorrheal infection and obstruction of abdominal vein are other factors.
- Toxicity due to wrong dietary habits.
- In response to neighboring infections.
- Suppressive drugs.
- General wrong living.
- Lifting or straining too much.
- Knock or strain.
- If newly born infants have this problem, it disappears by itself gradually.
Symptoms of hydrocele
- Elastic, smooth and painless enlargement of the scrotum.
- Non-Painful Swelling of the Scrotum.
- Sometimes inconvenience is caused during walking.
- Testicular Discomfort.
- Pressure is exerted on the testicles and if light is held on it in the dark the whole swelling lights up.
- If there is pain it denotes infection.
Invariably, this condition is asymptomatic – it presents as a painless, smooth, swelling of the scrotum.
Treatment for hydrocele
In 95% of congenital (present at birth) hydroceles, the natural history is one of gradual and complete resolution by one year of age. A hydrocele that doesn’t disappear on its own might need to be surgically removed, typically as an outpatient procedure. The surgery to remove a hydrocele (hydrocelectomy) can be done under general or regional anesthesia. The doctor drains the fluid, removes the sac, and then uses stitches to keep the muscle wall strong as it heals and help prevent hernia or another hydrocele.
- The presence of hydrocele does not pose any threat or danger, especially if symptom-less. If there is any form of discomfort that needs to be managed.
- Adopt exclusive fruit 3-meal diet for 10 days.
- Avoid excessive straining, like too much weight lifting at the gym or otherwise.
- Unsweetened lemon water or plain water can be taken.
- Treat a recurrent or chronic cough immediately. Coughing raises the intra-abdominal pressure and puts a strain.
- Use warm water enema.
- Underlying toxicity that is the root cause should be eliminating.
- Also, you ought to check the tendency of constipation. Constipation causes one to strain at stool, which again increases the intra-abdominal pressure.
- Care needs to be taken to prevent hernia.
- Suspensory bandages are useful.
- Avoid all refined foods, tinned/canned/ processed foods.
- Quit smoking and drinking.
- Cold hip baths are of singular value in the management of hydrocele.
- Use an ordinary bathtub. Fill it with water. Lower your body into the tub and stay for about 15 minutes, twice daily.
- You could try homeopathic remedy Lycopodium 3x, 4 tablets twice a day to cure hydrocele.
- Tapping is the surgical method resorted to, for the removal of the fluid from the sac. It may be required in obstinate cases, especially, if there is too much pain or superadded infection. Homoeopathic medicine bryonia is of special worth, since it absorbs most of the serous fluid.
- Light firming exercises should be undertaken to improve the muscle and tissue.
Follow this diet also to treat hydrocele
- Breakfast – Glass of milk, grated raw carrot, fresh fruit, prunes or dried fruits.
- Lunch – Steamed vegetables with a scrambled or poached egg, baked apple or stewed fruit.
- Dinner – Raw vegetable salad, prunes or dried fruits, whole wheat bread and butter.
Natural remedies for hydrocele
- Hot Epsom salt bath once or twice a week is recommended.
- Many homeopathic medicines are known to cure hydrocele without surgical intervention. Some of the remedies are Apis Mellifica 30 or Spongia 30, 6 pills taken every 2 hours.These medicines help reduce the swelling considerably.
- Fresh air, outdoor exercise, sunbathing should be undertaken.
- Cold hip baths, thrice a day for 10 minutes each have also been proven to be effective in hydrocele treatment.
- Wearing a suspensory bandage is often useful.
- Concurrently, scrotal support can help manage the condition conservatively.
- And general health should be built to the highest level.