Any experience of hydroceles?

[EarSlaps]

My 4yo has a rather swollen testicle that have been diagnosed as a hydrocele (collection of fluid around the testicle). We've been referred for an ultrasound to confirm this, and check for any other issues. He's never had any problems in that area and was born at 39+4 with his testicles where they should be .

Does anyone have any experience with a hydrocele? The doctor said it could take a while to go, and even if it got a bit bigger it wouldn't be an issue. It seems they don't really do anything for them- is this because it's the best policy or the cheapest? At what point do I worry if it doesn't reduce?

We have BUPA cover and have already paid our excess for this year (he had his tonsils out a couple of months ago). Is it worth getting referred to private for it or is watchful waiting really the best policy?

My ds had one of these, we were referred privately, the dr just looked and said that they could operate if it didn't go away. In any event it went away itself after maybe,don't remember exactly, maybe bout six months or so. If I remember correctly , it shrunk to nothing in a week or so. No problems since.

Gosh, six months! He doesn't seem at all bothered by it so if it can just disappear I'd prefer that than someone wielding a scalpel near his bits!

We'll just keep an eye on it then assuming the ultrasound finds nothing else.

My DS had one when a baby. It just went by itself after a few months. Doc said to leave it and wait and see.

Me again, we weren't offered an ultrasound, dr just shined his torch on the hydrocele, decided that's what it was.

My ds wasn't bothered by it either.

Good luck, hope it just goes away itself.

Thanks side. We were warned to take him straight to a&e if he started getting pains. I think it bothers me more as it looks really uncomfortable with the skin all stretched. DS just thought the examination was tickly and funny with the torch.

We realised ds had one aged 6, he got referred to a paediatrician the same day and after an ultrasound discharged and then had surgery 4 months later. General anaesthetic but relatively simple operation.

My DS had one, the gp noticed it at the six week check and we waited to see if it would go and then he had an op when he was nearly two. The incision was on his lower abdomen, not close to his testicles. He recovered fine and afaik everything is in working order, he's 20 so haven't seen them for quite a while.

Hi Earslaps, what happened to your son and the hydrocele? My 3 year old son recently got diagnosed with a non communicating hydrocele.