swollen scrotum

[jm1981]

Last night after getting home from a night out my scrotum felt kind of wierd the best way I can discribe it is like I was outside in the cold and it was constricted from the cold weather, but when I looked at it it turned out that its was swollen quite a bit to probably twice as big or maybe slightly more than normal. There is no burning, itching, or pain of any sort except if I move wrong there is a little pressure on my testicles but Im almost pisitive its because my scrotum is swollen so much it squishes my testicles in certain positions. It feels like the scrotum skim has swollen, just really thick and spongy feeling. I cant think of anything that would have caused it. Any idea what I could be dealing with and could you explain the seriousness of it. I have no insurance and am currently laid off so I can not afford to see a doctor unless it is almost a life or death issue. I did try icing it and it seemed to make the swelling go down a bit, well it looks like a lot but thats just because of the cold making it contract but it stills feels thick and spongy... please help Im kind of getting worried

[jm1981]

Ok The swelling has gone away completely is this something that I should still worry about or does the fact that it is now gone say that everything should be ok

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
There are many possibilities for such scrotal swelling.It can be a hydrocele or varicocele. Hydrocele is a collection of sterile fluid in the cord attached to the testicle, which is invariably harmless. Left untreated, a hydrocele can grow to a large size and cause discomfort, so they are usually best drained early.

Varicoceles are similar, except they are caused by enlarged blood vessels. Both may require surgical removal in severe cases. Hydroceles can be easily demonstrated by shining a flashlight (transillumination) through the enlarged portion of the scrotum. If the scrotum is full of clear fluid, as in a hydrocele, the scrotum will light up. An ultrasound may be done to confirm the diagnosis. It is the most accurate diagnostic test for this condition.

Other possibility is of infection (Epididymitis or Orchitis). If the infection is caused by bacteria, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Blood tests can confirm it.

I feel that you should take a second opinion from a urologist and get yourself evaluated.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[martikadragoon]

I'd suggest asking your question on Medhelps "Ask an Expert" forum.
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Dermatology/show/115

You may get an answer there. Personally I've got no suggestions because I've never seen or heard about something like this.


Cindie
Martikadragoon CL Dermatology