Hydrocele

Hydroceles are common in newborn babies.

During a baby’s development in the womb, the testicles descend from the abdomen through a duct into the scrotum. Hydroceles occurs when this duct does not close. Fluid drains from the abdomen through the open duct and becomes trapped in the scrotum. This causes the scrotum to swell.

Most hydroceles go away a few months after birth. Sometimes, a hydrocele can occur with an inguinal hernia.

Hydroceles can also be caused by:

• Accumulation of normal fluid around the testicle. This can occur because the body makes too much fluid or the fluid does not drain well. (This type of hydrocele is more common in older men).
• Swelling or injury to the testicle or epididymis.