Hydrocele Treatment: Medicines, Diet & Management

How is Hydrocele Diagnosed?

A urologist may conduct the following tests after a thorough physical examination:

Transillumination test (where a light is passed through the scrotal swelling to identify fluid)
Scrotal ultrasound (to rule out other conditions like testicular torsion, inguinal hernia, epididymitis or testicular tumour)
Blood tests (only when infection or filariasis is suspected)

Explore Health Plans

How is Hydrocele Treated Based on Severity?

Hydrocele treatment depends on its size and symptoms. The table below summarises the treatment approaches:

Severity	Treatment
Mild / Asymptomatic	Observation with periodic follow-up.
Moderate	Scrotal support and treatment of the underlying cause. Surgery may be considered if symptoms persist.
Severe / Persistent	Hydrocelectomy is the preferred treatment. Aspiration may be considered only for patients who are not suitable for surgery.

Types of Hydrocele and Their Treatment

Hydroceles are grouped by cause & connection, and their treatment varies for each type. The table below gives a brief overview of the types of hydrocele and their treatment:

Type	Treatment
Communicating Hydrocele	Surgery closes the connection to the abdomen.
Non-Communicating Hydrocele	Watchful waiting, aspiration, or hydrocelectomy is used.
Congenital (Infant) Hydrocele	It usually resolves by age one; surgery is considered if it persists.
Filarial Hydrocele	Antifilarial medicines are given along with hydrocelectomy. Surgery is often required after treatment of the infection if the hydrocele persists.
Secondary Hydrocele	Treatment focuses on the underlying infection, inflammation, injury, tumour or other causes. Surgery may be required if the swelling persists.

Protect Your Health

Non-Surgical Treatments for Hydrocele

Non-surgical methods are appropriate for small or asymptomatic hydroceles, as they do not require any surgery in many cases. Some of the non-surgical treatments for hydrocele are:

Watchful Waiting Small, painless hydroceles may be monitored through periodic medical examinations.
Scrotal Support Supportive underwear may reduce heaviness, pulling and discomfort.
Aspiration Fluid may be removed using a needle in selected patients who cannot undergo surgery, although recurrence is common.
Sclerotherapy A sclerosing medicine may be injected after aspiration to reduce fluid recurrence in selected patients who are not suitable for surgery.
Treatment of the Underlying Cause Infections, inflammation, injury or lymphatic filariasis should be treated appropriately to prevent further fluid accumulation.
Pain Management Pain-relieving medicines may reduce discomfort but do not remove the hydrocele or prevent recurrence.

Other Treatments for Hydrocele

The ultimate cure of a hydrocele is surgery. Various types of surgeries available include:

Open Hydrocelectomy The hydrocele sac is removed, folded or repositioned through a small incision in the scrotum or groin.
Lord’s Procedure The hydrocele sac is folded around the testis and is generally suitable for selected thin-walled hydroceles.
Jaboulay’s Procedure The hydrocele sac is opened and turned inside out to prevent fluid from collecting again.
Laparoscopic Repair Laparoscopic repair may be used for selected communicating hydroceles, particularly when an abdominal connection or hernia is present.
Ligation of the Processus Vaginalis In children with a communicating hydrocele, the open connection between the abdomen and scrotum is surgically closed.
Inguinal Hernia Repair An associated inguinal hernia may be repaired during the same operation.

Compare Health Plans

Oral Medications for Hydrocele Treatment

Medicines cannot cure the hydrocele. They either address the underlying cause of hydrocele or treat the symptoms. Common medications used during hydrocele treatment are:

Paracetamol: May relieve mild pain or postoperative discomfort.
Ibuprofen: May reduce pain and inflammation when medically suitable.
Antibiotics: Prescribed only when a bacterial infection is present.
Diethylcarbamazine: Used to treat lymphatic filariasis when recommended.
Albendazole: May be used with diethylcarbamazine in filariasis treatment programmes.
Ivermectin: May be used in selected filariasis-control programmes according to public-health guidance.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Hydrocele

Some individuals seek the following conventional remedies for their mild symptoms of hydrocele. They should complement rather than substitute medical treatment.

Herbal Remedies: Consult a certified AYUSH practitioner to get supportive herbal medicines to get relief from hydrocele symptoms, if available.
Warm Compress: Heat application alleviates the pain.
Yoga: Yoga helps in promoting well-being.

Note: These options should be used only after consulting a qualified practitioner and the urologist.

Get the Right Health Cover

Home Care for Managing Hydrocele

Easy home remedies relieve symptoms and facilitate recovery from a hydrocele. This is done in conjunction with the treatment. Some of the home remedies include:

Wear supportive, comfortable underwear.
Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting after treatment or surgery.
Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed.
Keep the surgical wound clean and dry.
Follow the surgeon’s wound-care instructions.
Rest adequately during recovery.
Monitor for increasing swelling, redness, discharge or pain.
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.

Consult a doctor, preferably a urologist, if you experience fever, severe pain, rapid swelling, vomiting or sudden scrotal tenderness.

How Long Does Hydrocele Treatment Take?

Hydrocele treatment time depends on the method used. The table shows approximate timelines:

Treatment	Approximate Duration
Watchful Waiting (Infants)	Often resolves by one to two years of age.
Aspiration	A quick outpatient procedure.
Sclerotherapy	A short procedure of 15 to 45 minutes, sometimes repeated.
Hydrocelectomy	Surgery of 30 - 60 minutes.
Recovery After Surgery	About one to two weeks.

Explore Health Plans

Hydrocele Treatment Side Effects

Hydrocele treatment is usually safe. However, certain management options can have side effects that require attention. These side effects include:

Pain, swelling or bruising
Bleeding or haematoma
Wound infection
Fluid collection
Scrotal inflammation
Recurrence
Anaesthesia-related complications
Injury to the testis, epididymis or nearby structures (rare)
Fertility-related complications (rare)

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Hydrocele

Certain lifestyle changes can be helpful to prevent recurrence and improve recovery duration for hydroceles. These measures can include:

Maintain good genital hygiene.
Protect the scrotum during sports or physical activity.
Avoid tobacco use.
Prevent mosquito bites in regions affected by lymphatic filariasis.
Seek early treatment for scrotal infections or injuries.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Follow medical advice before returning to strenuous activity.

Explore Health Plans

Factors That Can Worsen Hydrocele Condition

There are various causes for developing or aggravating a hydrocele. These include:

Scrotal injury or trauma
Epididymitis or orchitis
Lymphatic filariasis
Persistent scrotal inflammation
Associated inguinal hernia
Delayed treatment of a large or symptomatic hydrocele
Heavy physical activity when pain or swelling is present
Infection after aspiration or surgery

Hydrocele Treatment Cost

The treatment cost for a hydrocele in India varies according to the method used. Watching and taking medications cost almost nothing. The cost of an open hydrocelectomy is around ₹25,000 to ₹70,000. On the other hand, the cost of a laser hydrocelectomy is ₹35,000 to ₹1,35,000. The aspiration procedure is less expensive and can be done as a day care procedure. In urban private hospitals, the cost of the surgeries can be higher.

Protect Your Health

Does Health Insurance Cover Hydrocele Treatment in India?

Yes. Health insurance covers hydrocele surgery that requires hospitalisation or a day care hospital visit. There could be a mandatory waiting period of up to two years for a hydrocele surgery. However, routine consultations, tests, and medicines are covered only if the policy comes with an OPD cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can a hydrocele go away without surgery?

Ans: Yes. Many hydroceles, especially in babies, clear on their own. Adults may need treatment if it persists.
Q2. Is hydrocele surgery always necessary?

Ans: No. Surgery is needed only for large or uncomfortable hydroceles. Small hydroceles are usually just monitored.
Q3. Which treatment is best for a hydrocele?

Ans: Hydrocelectomy gives a lasting cure for hydrocele. Aspiration suits those unfit for surgery. A urologist decides the best option based on the patient’s age, severity and underlying conditions.
Q4. Does a hydrocele affect fertility?

Ans: No. A hydrocele usually does not affect fertility. Any underlying cause should still be treated.
Q5. Can a hydrocele come back after treatment?

Ans: Yes. A hydrocele can return after aspiration. Surgery has a low recurrence rate.
Q6. How long is the recovery after surgery?

Ans: Most men recover from a hydrocele in one to two weeks. Heavy activity should be avoided during this time.
Q7. Is hydrocele surgery covered by insurance in India?

Ans: Yes. Hydrocele surgery is usually covered under health insurance policies. A waiting period may apply depending on the plan and insurer.
Q8. Is a hydrocele dangerous?

Ans: Hydroceles are not usually dangerous, as they are benign. Sudden pain or swelling, however, needs urgent medical assessment.

References
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16294-hydrocele
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hydrocele/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20363971
- https://www.maxhealthcare.in/our-specialities/urology/conditions-treatments/hydrocele
- https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/h/hydroceles-and-inguinal-hernia
- https://www.starhealth.in/answers/what-is-the-average-cost-of-hydrocele-surgery/
- https://www.carehospitals.com/surgery-cost/hydrocele-surgery-cost