Hydrocele

A hydrocele is a painless buildup of fluid more than the normal level in and around one or both testicles. A hydrocele may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developing after birth). A congenital hydrocele may occur in a male baby and usually will disappear during the first year of life. An acquired hydrocele may be caused by an injury to the groin area or by an unknown cause. It can occur at any age but is most common in men over age 40. A hydrocele causes the scrotum or groin area to swell. This condition needs treatment by removal of the fluid only if the swelling becomes uncomfortably large.