Home Remedies That Ease Your Hydrocele

Introduction:

Have you been experiencing an uncomfortable swelling around your testicles? The chances are that you may have developed hydrocele. For average humans, it is usually challenging to self-diagnose it due to our lack of knowledge, causing us to undergo immense stress and chaos as we try to figure out the new development. In this case, knowing the different ways, our body may be implying that it needs help can be extremely useful for us to take the next step.  

Did you know?

• Traditional phytotherapy, using plant species, is used by tribal people for the treatment of hydrocele. source: PMC
• The root bark of Aerva lanata is taken orally with a local alcoholic drink for two weeks to treat hydrocele. source: PMC
• Fresh corms of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius are pasted with the root of Grewia hirsuta and applied externally on the testicles for the treatment of hydrocele. source: PMC
• Calotropis procera leaf coated with oil is applied externally on the affected part for the treatment of hydrocele. source: PMC
• Rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides are taken orally with milk for seven days to treat hydrocele. source: PMC

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 and label it. Hydrocele indicates swelling around the scrotum area and 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 swelling. 

Hydrocele usually is pain-free and doesn’t pose any 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 diagnosis on what is causing the swelling. 

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)

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 some amount of pain due to the strange heaviness and size fluctuation in the scrotum region. 

In some cases, the swollen area has visibly altered sizes between morning and the later hours of the day. It causes increased discomfort and requires medical attention.

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 your 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. 

• In typical cases, the baby’s hydrocele gets better on its own; however, if the swelling is still a 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 attention.

Home Remedies for Hydrocele

If you are experiencing the early stages of hydrocele, then consult the doctor for diagnosis and management of the condition. Adopting these home remedies may help in easing the discomfort in your scrotum. 

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

1. Fruits Should Be Your Go To

Our diet directly impacts our health and while suffering from hydrocele, a diet rich in fruits can provide significant relief to the swollen area. Incorporating fruits like oranges, apples, pineapples, grapes and peaches may help in easing the dilated scrotum. 

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. 

2. Eat Your Greens

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 significant contributing role in upgrading your quality of life and helping alleviate the symptoms of hydrocele. 

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 fluids. 

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. The properties of this drink 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 soreness. 

6. Practice Yoga

Studies show that yoga may be effective in providing relief to the pain caused by hydrocele. Switching to healthier lifestyle alternatives and taking care of the body by keeping it active may help reduce the uneasiness of a swollen scrotum. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

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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