Hydroceles and Inguinal Hernia

Hydroceles are seen when fluid fills a normal sac in the scrotum. About 10 in 100 male infants have a hydrocele at birth. Hydroceles can also appear later in infancy or childhood and rarely after injury to the scrotum.

Inguinal hernias are often split into two types, indirect and direct. An indirect inguinal hernia can also cause fluid in the scrotum, just like a hydrocele, but most often varies in size or even seems to “go away” from day to day. These inguinal hernias occur in about 1 in 100 baby boys and more often in premature infants. These hernias can also occur in girls. Direct inguinal hernias involve a weakness in the muscles and structures of the “groin” and while uncommon in children are fairly common in older adult males.

Diagram of Hydrocele

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