Home Remedies That Ease Your Hydrocele

Introduction

Have you been experiencing an uncomfortable swelling around your testicles? Chances are that you may have developed a hydrocele. It may be difficult for you to understand what this could be, causing stress and panic. Therefore, knowledge about this condition, its symptoms and management can be extremely useful to take the next step. While surgery is a common management modality in modern medicine, traditional medicine has used phytotherapy (treatment using plant species) for managing hydrocele¹. 

In this blog, we will discuss about hydrocele and its symptoms and also share some home remedies that can help deal with this condition.  

What is a Hydrocele?

Medical terms such as hydrocele are most often beyond the knowledge of an average man; therefore, even if you may be experiencing symptoms, it could be challenging to assess what exactly it is. Hydrocele indicates swelling around the scrotum area which is more commonly observed in newborn babies and usually gets better after some time without any external treatment. However, in adolescent boys and older men, this condition is generally caused by an inflammatory agent or injury inside the scrotal sac. The accumulation of fluid in the scrotal sac causes swelling².  

Hydrocele usually is pain-free and doesn’t pose serious threats to the patient; however, it is always better to be on the safe side and consult with your doctor to get an expert advice on what is causing the swelling.  

What are the Symptoms?

If you observe pain-free swelling in both or either one of your testicles, it is advised to check with your doctor.  

Even though hydrocele under usual circumstances doesn’t result in pain, adult men may experience a feeling of heaviness or some amount of discomfort due to size fluctuation in the scrotum region. In some cases, the swollen area has visibly altered sizes which can cause increased pain and requires medical attention³. 

Congenital hydroceles mostly resolve before two years of age. Therefore, parents of such patients should be properly counselled to curb their anxiety. In this regard, providers and nursing staff play a vital role. If hydrocele develops later in life, underlying pathology must be identified, as its prognosis is dependent on it.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

When to Consult with a Doctor?

Hydrocele is generally considered a harmless condition. However, there may be various other factors contributing to the swelling of scrotal sac. It is always best to be aware of the potential health risks. You should not self-diagnose your condition or neglect the issue as it may worsen over time. A professional diagnosis renders essential information to take into account. A doctor’s thorough examination will help you establish whether what you are dealing with is entirely non-threatening or carries an underlying health issue that could cause more significant damage.  

• Typically in small children, hydrocele gets better on its own; however, if the swelling is still noticeable post-one year or expands further, it is essential to subject the hydrocele to an examination again.  
• In case of acute pain along with the swelling, be it in an adult man or a baby, after suffering an injury to the scrotal sac, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Testicular torsion is one such complication of an injured scrotum and can be caused due to choked blood circulation in a testicle that has been twisted due to the impact of the injury. This condition can cause immense pain and requires immediate medical attention⁴. 

Home Remedies for Hydrocele

If you feel you might have an hydrocele, then consult your doctor for diagnosis and management of the condition. Along with medical management, adopting some home remedies may also help in easing the discomfort in your scrotum.  

Here are some quick, simple, and effective home remedies you can try: 

1. Fruits

Our diet directly impacts our health. A diet rich in fruits like oranges, apples, pineapples, grapes and peaches can support the immune system and maintain overall health. Especially fruits rich in antioxidants such as strawberries may aid in the body’s detoxification and help dealing with hydrocele⁵. 

However, if you do switch to a fruit-based diet, then it is essential to avoid canned fruits as they consist of high levels of preservatives and additives that can worsen your condition. Moreover, if you have medical conditions like diabetes, it’s best to discuss with your doctor which fruits you can safely take and in how much quantity. 

2. Green Vegetables

As important as it is to eat your fruits, it is also essential to add a healthy amount of greens to your regular diet. Including lightly sauteed veggies and fresh vegetable salad in your everyday life can play a contributing role in upgrading your quality of life and helping deal with the symptoms of hydrocele⁵. 

3. Hydrate Yourself

A healthy diet ensures a healthy mind and body. Eliminate the toxins from your body by hydrating yourself with loads of water and healthy fluids⁵. 

4. Aloe Vera and Amla Juice May Help

A concoction made of aloe vera and amla juice mixed in equal proportions and consumed every morning on an empty stomach can also be helpful. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help with itching, irritation and puffiness. But talk to a healthcare expert before trying anything new. 

5. Use Ice Packs

Using ice packs at least 2 to 3 times a week may help in easing the pain and soreness⁵. 

6. Exercise

Switching to healthier lifestyle alternatives and exercise may help reduce the size of swelling and uneasiness of scrotum⁶. And yoga may be the right and effective exercise in providing relief to the pain caused by hydrocele. However, it’s important to practice under the guidance of a trained yoga expert to avoid exercises and asanas that can put undue pressure on scrotal areas⁷. 

Conclusion

Hydrocele or swelling in the scrotal sac can be worrisome if you don’t know about it. Understanding its symptoms can help in diagnosis and reduce panic associated with this condition. While home remedies may help manage mild hydrocele symptoms, these are not a substitute for medical management. If discomfort persists or worsens, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Singh H. Traditional phytotherapy for the treatment of hydrocele in Odisha, India. Anc Sci Life. 2012;31(3):137-140. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3530339/ 
2. Huzaifa M, Moreno MA. Hydrocele. [Updated 2023 Jul 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559125/ 
3. Bitcon C, White J, Cox A, Skinner TAA. Case – Tension hydrocele: A rare cause of acute scrotal pain. Can Urol Assoc J. 2020;14(7):E341-E342. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7337714/  
4. Schick MA, Sternard BT. Testicular Torsion. [Updated 2023 Jun 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448199/  
5. Dhadwal A, Kumari P, Thakur C. A Comprehensive Review on Hydrocele. Research Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics. 2024;16(2):107-13. https://rjppd.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacology%20and%20Pharmacodynamics;PID=2024-16-2-8  
6. Hydrocele. Medline Plus. (Internet) https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003161.htm#:~:text=Apply%20ice%20packs%20to%20the,activity%20until%20the%20swelling%20disappears.  
7. Hydrocele: Scully’s Medical Problems in Dentistry (Seventh Edition), 2014.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/hydrocele 
8. Yuichi T. Hydrocele in Males: Preventive Measures and Precautions. Journal of Basic and Clinical Reproductive Sciences. 2023; 12(3) https://www.jbcrs.org/articles/hydrocele-in-males-preventive-measures-and-precautions-12392.html  

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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