A hydrocele is a buildup of fluid around the testicles, causing swelling of the scrotum. This is more common in newborns.
The testicles first form in the belly (abdomen) of the male fetus. Just before birth, the testicles move down into the scrotum through a tunnel called the inguinal canal. As this happens, the testicles push the belly lining along with them. This forms a pouch around the testicles inside the scrotum. The top of the pouch eventually closes up before birth. Sometimes fluid from the abdomen may pass into the scrotum. This fluid collects in a small sac within the scrotum and looks like a small swelling or bulge there.
This bulge is called a hydrocele (non-communicating type). It's painless and causes no harm. In most cases, the fluid is absorbed during a child's first 1 to 2 years. Sometimes it stays beyond 2 years of age and needs to be fixed with surgery.
Home care
A small hydrocele won't interfere in any way with normal activity. There are no special safety steps that you need to take. You can watch the area as you provide regular daily care.
Call your child's health care provider right away if you notice any changes.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's health care provider, or as advised. This is to be sure the hydrocele is shrinking as expected.
When to get medical advice
Contact your child's health care provider right away if your child has:
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Pain, redness, or tenderness in the hydrocele.
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A new bulge in the groin that appears just above the thigh crease or in the scrotum.
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Changes in the size of the hydrocele. This can mean that it gets smaller, then larger, then smaller. Or it may get larger and stay larger.
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Testicular pain.
Online Medical Reviewer: Lalitha Kadali
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Sabrina Felson MD
Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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