Scrotal Swelling: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Scrotal swelling is basically enlargement in the scrotal sac. Scrotal swelling, also known as hydrocele is very common in children. It occurs due to the accumulation of watery fluid around the testicles. Sometimes it is painless whereas some swelling are painless. Even if not accompanied by pain, it is definitely a matter of mild discomfort. Painless swelling generally comes up all at a sudden or often with time. One of the most common painless swellings is hernias or hydroceles which has its roots since the time of development of the child in the womb; some abnormal opening kept behind during the phase when testicle unfolds into the scrotum. However, in case of a hernia, the opening becomes the passage of an intestine. 1 percent of boys become the victim of hernia. Other painless causes include varicoceles which is most common in boys.

On the other hand, painful swelling may result from testicular torsion in which a testicle gets entangled on its cords. This acts as an obstacle in blood supply and demands immediate surgery within 6 hours to prevent fatal and death of the respective testicle. The symptoms generally rise all at a sudden and include severe pain. It is most common amongst boys in 12 to 16 years and requires immediate treatment. Added to that, Epididymitis or orchitis has its cause in the effect of bacteria or virus. In this case, the pain is not worse as testicular torsion but enhances with torsion. However, zip entrapment issues often lead to emergencies. This is when the penis, foreskin or a part of the scrotum gets stuck while zipping up. This scenario is very painful and requires immediate aid to avoid fatal scenarios. Even causes include harmful insect bites, allergic reaction like Schönlein-Henoch. Whatever may be the cause, a scrotal swelling is a sign to undergo immediate doctor check-up and medication.

Duration of the swelling is corresponding to its severity which is also determined by the source. For instance, if the discomfort is caused due to any bacterial or viral infection, the swelling will improve within 13 to 28 days with the help of treatment consisting of a combination of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

If the inflammation does not show any improvement via home remedies within a few hours, it is important to seek a doctor as it can be critical and lead to life-threatening situations.

Scrotal swelling mostly common in boy child if left neglected or avoided may cost you much near future. Thus on experiencing any such symptoms both painful and painless, you must get a diagnosis done by a doctor. The diagnosis initiates with the checking of the medical history of the patient and detailed symptoms of the swelling. Even an inclusion of physical examination by the doctor around the scrotum, testicle and the belly is required that helps the doctor to dig out the real cause of the swelling.

When done with the tests and the cause is revealed, treatment according to the cause is propagated by the doctor. In case of testicular torsion, an action of immediacy is entertained. Immediate action of surgery is required to save the testicle. Surgeries are also common in case of hernia.

Nevertheless, if the scrotal swelling is due to bacterial or virus infection, a dosage of antibiotics is generally prescribed by the doctor. Boys who are not sexually active (young age) are also suggested X-ray tests to evaluate any deformity in the urinary system is the cause.

Sometimes, scrotal swelling gets normal with some time. No such treatment or medication is required. However, neglecting is not also a healthy option, a check-up stands necessary.

Scrotal swellings are experienced by males only. Males having symptoms of scrotal swelling is required to get a proper diagnosis and medication thereafter.

Males not experiencing any such symptoms of scrotal swelling need not to worry and undergo treatment.

Depending upon the root cause of the swelling, one can determine its seriousness. In most cases, the swelling only reflects non-serious, mild cases of a minor injury or scar tissue. There are only a few cases where Scrotal Swelling leads to permanent damage like loss of fertility or life-threatening situations like cancer.

In a nutshell, Scrotal Swelling is ordinarily harmless, yet it is advisable to seek medical help to confirm the reason behind your swollen discomfort. Before going to a doctor, one can do self-assistance by looking for other associated symptoms like pain, fever, redness, STI, etc.

If the treatment of your scrotal swelling involves surgery, intense medication is involved post the surgery. Added to that, the patient is required to take bed rest until and unless conditions seem better and normal. In that case, urine habits become a problem and may include the use of urine bags for few days.

On the other hand, for treatments that remain limited to the intake of antibiotics, patients should be open to experience side effects of antibiotics. These involve nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and much more.

On receiving the desired treatment of the scrotal swelling, you must maintain some post-treatment guidelines that make sure any further occurrence. If the cause remains bacterial or virus infection, one should try to avoid scenarios that may involve such bacterial growth. In case of scrotal swelling due to scabies, the entire matter revolves around sanitation. Therefore, wearing clean clothes is a must. However, when experienced a surgery, regular check-up remains a vital factor.

Recovery span solely depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. In some case, it generally heals with time without any treatment, whereas other condition may include medication for recovery. Medication may take 7-8 days for absolute recovery. On the other hand, surgery cases definitely take more time for recovery that includes surgery and post-medication procedures.

Treatment for scrotal swelling cost depends on the cause and the treatment it involves. For cases that involve general medication or consultation of the doctor, the cost is minimum. Whereas, surgery costs are high and vary amongst hospitals and doctor surgery charges. However, rare cases that turn to cancer growth involves radiotherapy and other techniques and involve huge cost.

Generally, proper treatment of scrotal treatment in time provides permanent recovery results. Like in case of testicular torsion, immediate surgery is required to save the testicle or may lead to fatal scenarios.

Most doctors prescribe antibiotics for permanent recovery while sometimes surgery is required depending on the severity of the situation. In most cases, scrotal swelling treatment provides a permanent result with exceptions of cancer growth very rare in number.

Various natural remedies can aid your discomfort. Some of the methods are listed below:

1. Scrotal support:

   Supporting your testicles while they are swollen and heavy can give you relief. You can lay down on your back and cup your testes with your hands in a comforting position and will lower the agitation. Other methods like wearing a jockstrap until complete recovery, can save the testicles from further friction and heaviness caused due to leg motion and gravity.

2. Ice therapy:

   Applying natural cooling agents like ice or cold water baths not only relieve the swelling but also slows the blood flow in your genitals which can freeze the process that caused the swelling. Even though applying ice is crucial, one needs to take precautions in order to avoid frostbite. You can use a clean cotton cloth to carry the ice or sit in an optimum cold water bath to control the temperature.

3. Avoid physical activity:

   Activities like heavy lifting, running, and other vigorous exercises can put pressure on the swelling which can only aggravate the discomfort. Take rest and support your testes as much as possible to lower the hurtful sensation.

4. Recognize the risk factors:

   Your medical professional will conduct a physical examination after asking about your past events that might lead to the swelling. Some of the events associated with your illness are:

   • Strenuous physical activity, like vigorous bicycle or motorcycle riding.
   • Intense Sexual activity.
   • Intercourse with an infected person.
   • Post prostate surgery.
   • Prolonged sitting in one position while traveling or driving.
   • Anatomic defects like posterior urethral meatus, often seen in prepubescent boys.
   • Medical history of prostate or UTI.

   The risk factors can lead to conditions like:

   • Testicular torsion: Trauma caused due to physical activity can twist the testicles and irritate the underside tube leading it to swell. In that case, your doctor will run a reflex hammer test in your inner thighs to check your Cremasteric reflex.
   • Orchitis or epididymo-orchitis: Pain and swelling caused due to viral infection known as mumps orchitis is known as Orchitis, on the other hand, information caused by a bacterial infection known as epididymo-orchitis. A viral infection occurs if you don't get the MMR vaccine. No treatment has been discovered for the disease, but pain medications and ice packs can help you to ease the agitation. Signs like sudden enlargement, redness, and tenderness can be seen very rapidly in the scrotal.
   • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Some of the sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can lead to Scrotal Swelling along with nausea, unusual discharge, blood in the urine, vomiting, abdominal pain, and burning sensations during urination. The symptoms may take weeks to come on the surface and show.

Scrotal swelling often gets normal with time. But in some cases, it demands extensive medication and treatment. Besides medication prescribed by the doctor, some natural remedies produce amazing help in treating scrotal swelling. Adopting heat therapy at home acts as a pain reliever. An intake of Vitamin C or black cumin also reduce pain in the scrotal area. Added to that, cranberry juice is no doubt one of the most effective natural remedies for scrotal pain or infection in urinary tract.

Practising Yoga regularly is indeed both protective and recovery option.

Summary: Scrotal Swelling can be seen as enlargement of the ball sack or scrotum. In most cases, the swelling only reflects non-serious, mild cases of a minor injury or scar tissue. There are only a few cases where Scrotal Swelling leads to permanent damage like loss of fertility or life-threatening situations like cancer.