What is a hydrocele?

A hydrocele (HI-dra-seel) is a fluid-filled sac in your scrotum that causes swelling. Your scrotum is the pouch of skin behind your penis that holds your testes (testicles). A hydrocele may affect one side of your scrotum or both sides. Another name for hydroceles around both of your testicles is a bilateral hydrocele.

Hydroceles can affect any males but they’re more common in infants.

They can also occur spontaneously in adulthood.

How serious is a hydrocele?

Hydroceles can be alarming because they cause swelling in a sensitive part of your body and can happen suddenly. In some instances, hydroceles can be bothersome depending on their size. A large hydrocele may cause discomfort while sitting or walking. However, in many people, a hydrocele isn’t serious, bothersome or painful.

What are the types of hydroceles?

There are two types of hydroceles: communicating hydroceles and noncommunicating hydroceles.