A hydrocele — a buildup of fluid around the testicle — is one of the more common causes of scrotal swelling, and usually a harmless one. Still, any new swelling in the scrotum deserves a proper look, both to confirm it’s a hydrocele and to rule out other causes. The reassuring news is that when a hydrocele does need treatment, the fix is straightforward and highly effective.
Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified urologist and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons whose subspecialty training in male reproductive medicine and microsurgery is held by fewer than 2% of urologists in the United States. An Assistant Professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a Top Doctor in Los Angeles as named by Los Angeles Magazine, he performs a high volume of scrotal procedures and brings meticulous surgical technique to hydrocele repair. Featured in national media including Men’s Health and the New York Post, he makes certain every scrotal swelling is properly evaluated before treatment — confirming the diagnosis and ruling out other causes.
I was sent to Dr. Houman from another Urologist that was pretty confused about my situation. Dr. Houman’s team scheduled me quickly, and once we met, Dr. Houman took action immediately. He has a great team that is very nice. He is very personable, listens, jumps right into the trenches, explains everything, and is very responsive. I love working with Dr. Houman, definitely the best Doctor I’ve had!
What Is a Hydrocele?
A hydrocele occurs when fluid collects in the thin sheath that surrounds a testicle, causing soft, painless swelling in the scrotum. It can affect one or both sides and ranges from barely noticeable to large enough to cause discomfort. Hydroceles are common in newborns and often resolve on their own, but they can also develop in adult men, where they’re more likely to persist and sometimes warrant treatment.
Hydrocele Symptoms
Hydroceles tend to develop gradually, and the most common signs include:
- Soft, painless swelling on one or both sides of the scrotum
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Swelling that may change in size through the day or after activity
- Discomfort with larger hydroceles
- Visible enlargement or asymmetry
What Causes a Hydrocele?
In infants, hydroceles are common and often resolve naturally as part of development. In adults, they more often result from injury, inflammation, or infection in the scrotum, or develop without an obvious cause. They can also follow scrotal surgery. While a hydrocele itself is benign, the swelling it produces can overlap with other conditions — which is exactly why a proper evaluation matters before assuming it’s nothing serious.
Diagnosing a Hydrocele
Diagnosing a hydrocele is usually straightforward. Dr. Houman examines the scrotum and often uses transillumination — shining a light through the swelling, which passes through fluid but not solid tissue. An ultrasound typically confirms the diagnosis and, just as importantly, rules out other causes of scrotal swelling such as a hernia or a testicular mass. This step ensures you’re treating the right thing, with full peace of mind.
Hydrocele Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the size of the hydrocele and whether it’s causing symptoms:
- Observation: Small, painless hydroceles that aren’t bothersome can often simply be monitored, with no treatment needed.
- Hydrocelectomy: When a hydrocele is large, uncomfortable, or progressively enlarging, surgical removal of the fluid sac is the definitive treatment — a quick outpatient procedure with excellent, lasting results.
- Aspiration and Sclerotherapy: Draining the fluid, sometimes with a sclerosing agent, is occasionally used for men who aren’t candidates for surgery, though hydroceles are more likely to recur with this approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrocele
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A hydrocele itself is benign, but any new scrotal swelling should be evaluated to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes such as a hernia or a testicular mass.
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Not always — small, painless hydroceles can simply be monitored, while larger or uncomfortable ones are usually treated with a straightforward surgery.
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Through a physical exam, often transillumination (shining light through the swelling), and an ultrasound that confirms the diagnosis and rules out other conditions.
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A hydrocelectomy is an outpatient procedure that removes the fluid-filled sac, providing definitive, long-lasting relief, with most men returning home the same day.
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Hydroceles generally don’t affect fertility, though a large one may cause discomfort; an evaluation rules out any associated issue.
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Surgery offers durable results with low recurrence, while drainage alone is more likely to recur, which is why surgery is usually preferred when treatment is needed.
Why Choose Dr. Houman for Hydrocele Treatment in Los Angeles
- Careful Diagnostic Evaluation: Confirming the hydrocele and ruling out other causes of swelling.
- Definitive Surgical Treatment: Outpatient hydrocelectomy with excellent, lasting results.
- High-Volume Scrotal Surgery Experience: Meticulous technique for a delicate area.
- Board-Certified Urologic Expertise: Reassuring, discreet care from evaluation through recovery.
Meet Dr. Houman
Expert in Men’s Health with Tower Urology and Cedars Sinai
Dr. Justin Houman, MD, FACS is a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained microsurgeon at Tower Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His subspecialty training in male reproductive medicine and microsurgery is held by fewer than 2% of practicing urologists in the United States.
His clinical focus is narrow by design. Varicoceles, chronic testicular pain, male infertility, vasectomy, testosterone optimization, erectile dysfunction, penile implant surgery, and Peyronie’s disease are not add-on services here. They are the practice. Patients travel from across the country and internationally for procedures, particularly microsurgical varicocelectomy, spermatic cord denervation, and inflatable penile implant surgery, that require a level of subspecialty training and surgical volume most urology practices do not have.
Hydrocele Treatment in Los Angeles
If you’ve noticed scrotal swelling or discomfort, a quick evaluation can tell you exactly what’s going on — and, if it’s a hydrocele, set you up for simple, lasting relief. Dr. Houman offers expert, discreet hydrocele care for men across Los Angeles and Southern California. Contact the Los Angeles office to schedule a consultation and put your mind at ease.
