Top 10 Home Remedies for Hydrocele

Have you noticed a swelling in your scrotum that doesn't hurt? It could be a hydrocele. This common condition occurs when fluid accumulates around the testicle, causing the scrotum to enlarge. While it's perfectly normal in newborn boys and usually resolves on its own, adult men can develop hydrocele too.

In our country, many men feel hesitant to discuss such intimate health concerns. Hydrocele affects numerous Indian men, and understanding it is the first step toward treatment. Though modern medicine offers surgical solutions, many men are turning to traditional remedies first. Our ancient healing practices, combined with simple home-based treatments, have shown promising results for some patients.

Before we explore these home remedies for hydrocele in this blog, it's important to know that any scrotal swelling should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious conditions.

What is Hydrocele and Its Types 

A hydrocele is a scrotal sac that is filled with fluid and causes swelling. Your testes (testicles) are located in the skin pouch behind your penis, which is called as scrotum. A hydrocele can affect one or both sides of the scrotum. A bilateral hydrocele refers to hydroceles that surround both of your testicles. Hydroceles are classified into two types: 

1. Communicating Hydrocele

A communicating hydrocele remains in contact (communication) with the fluids within the abdomen. The abdominal cavity is the space inside your abdomen that houses your stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, and other organs. Communicating hydroceles occurs during fetal development.

If you or your child has a communicating hydrocele, the size of the scrotum may fluctuate throughout the day, appearing large or swollen.

2. Noncommunicating Hydrocele

A noncommunicating hydrocele causes the processus vaginalis to close. However, some extra abdominal fluid remains around the testicle within the scrotum. Noncommunicating hydroceles can be present from birth or develop ages later for no apparent reason. It usually stays the same size or grows very slowly.

Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocele

One of the signs and symptoms of a hydrocele is a big, painless lump in the scrotum. Additional signs and symptoms may include:

• A dull ache that may reoccur periodically.
• Swelling that is limited to one side of the body.
• Red or swollen scrotum.
• Feeling heavy in the scrotum.

When to Consult With a Doctor?

Hydrocele is generally regarded as harmless. However, there may be other factors causing swelling in your scrotal sac. It is always wise to be aware of potential health risks. You should not self-diagnose or ignore your condition, as it may worsen over time. A professional diagnosis provides important information to consider.  Consult a professional in the following cases: 

• In most cases, the baby's hydrocele resolves on its own. However, if the swelling persists after one year or expands further, the hydrocele should be examined again.
• If someone experiences severe pain and swelling after a scrotal sac injury, whether it’s an adult or a baby, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention. One potential complication from such an injury is testicular torsion. This occurs when a testicle twists, cutting off its blood supply, which leads to intense pain. 

Effective Home Remedies for Hydrocele

Consult your physician for a diagnosis and treatment of hydrocele if you are in its early stages. However, you can reduce your scrotal discomfort by using these natural remedies. Here are a few easy, quick, and efficient home treatments for hydrocele to try:

1. Eat Lots of Fruits  

We are all aware that our diet has a significant impact on our health. In a condition like hydrocele, a fruit-only diet provides significant relief from symptoms. You must include apples, oranges, peaches, pineapples, as well as grapes in your daily diet. You can also follow a fruit diet for 3-5 days to see immediate and significant relief from your hydrocele symptoms.

You should also avoid eating tinned or canned fruits and juices. The preservatives in these fruits and juices are harmful to hydrocele. 

2. Eat Boiled Veggies More Often

Eating boiled vegetables is a good home remedy for shrinking hydrocele. Boiled vegetables can be served for lunch and dinner. Alternatively, you can eat a fresh vegetable salad every day. It will make you feel lighter and relieve the heaviness and pain in your hydrocele. This is a simple but effective remedy for relieving hydrocele symptoms.

3. Try Epsom Salt bath to Shrink Hydrocele

Fill a bathtub with warm water and sprinkle in 2-3 cups of Epsom salt. Relax in the tub for 15-20 minutes, keeping your legs separated. Warm water promotes blood and fluid circulation. The Epsom salt aids in draining the fluid from the hydrocele. 

The salt contains magnesium, which relaxes the muscles and relieves the tenderness caused by hydrocele. As a result, taking an Epsom salt bath once or twice a week works great as a hydrocele cure naturally. 

4. Herbal Paste for  Hydrocele

Combine 5 grams of black pepper and cumin powder in warm water to make a paste. Apply this paste to the hydrocele-affected area. Leave the paste on for a few minutes before washing it off with warm water. Remember not to use too hot water, as this can cause further inflammation of the hydrocele.

5. Ginger Tea and Black Tea

Black tea and ginger tea are believed to help with hydrocele due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger contains compounds that reduce inflammation, which may ease pain and swelling. 

Drinking a small cup of ginger tea daily can provide relief. Black tea, rich in antioxidants, may also help reduce fluid buildup. Consistent consumption can offer gentle support for managing hydrocele symptoms.

6. Try Aloe Vera and Amla Juice

A mixture of aloe vera and amla juice in equal parts, taken every morning on an empty stomach, can also be a good hydrocele natural remedy. This drink's properties may aid in the treatment of itching, irritation, and swelling. However, consult a healthcare professional before trying anything new.

7. Wearing Scrotal Supports

Using scrotal supports can help manage the symptoms of hydrocele. They work by gently lifting the scrotum, which reduces the sensation of heaviness or discomfort. This support also alleviates pressure and allows individuals to go about their daily tasks more comfortably without aggravating the condition.

8. Apply Ice Packs to Reduce Hydrocele Pain and Swelling

Applying ice packs or cold compresses can reduce swelling and pain from hydrocele. Cold therapy helps by constricting blood vessels and decreasing fluid accumulation and inflammation. For best results, use ice packs for 15-20 minutes, two to three times a week, to soothe discomfort and promote healing.

9. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Make gradual, healthy changes to your lifestyle. For people looking for hydrocele cure without surgery, ditch the sedentary lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight. Practice simple yoga asanas, which are effective at treating hydrocele. Every morning, you can practice Vajrasana, Garudasana (eagle pose), and Gaumukhasana. 

Just make sure to practice these poses under supervision or learn them thoroughly. These yoga asanas will undoubtedly help to provide excellent symptomatic relief from hydrocele.

10. Hydrocele Self-care Tips

One effective self-care tip for hydrocele is to elevate the scrotum while resting. Lying down with a small cushion or folded towel placed under the scrotum can help improve blood flow and reduce swelling. This position lessens fluid accumulation, which provides relief from the feeling of heaviness. Additionally, incorporating foods with natural anti-inflammatory properties, like turmeric or ginger, into your diet may help reduce discomfort over time. Staying well-hydrated and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities can also support healing and minimize symptoms.

Ease Hydrocele Discomfort Naturally!

Home remedies for hydrocele can alleviate mild forms of the condition. However, hydrocele home treatment may not be effective in treating severe cases of the condition. Hydroceles frequently recur and may not respond well to nonsurgical treatments. In these cases, surgery becomes necessary.

Following a proper diagnosis, your doctor may recommend effective hydrocele treatment based on your specific condition. Urologists at Apollo Spectra specialize in performing hydrocele surgery, which is a permanent solution for hydrocele. If you want to find the best hydrocele treatment, please contact us. Our medical coordinator will connect you with one of our top specialist doctors.