Varicocele and Hydrocele Treatment in Johor Bahru and Batu Pahat, Johor
Swelling, heaviness or enlarged veins in the scrotum, assessed and treated by consultant urologist Dato’ Dr Azhar Amir Hamzah.
What are varicocele and hydrocele?
A varicocele is a group of enlarged veins in the scrotum, similar to varicose veins in the leg, usually on the left side. A hydrocele is a build up of fluid around the testis that makes the scrotum swell. Both are common and usually harmless, but they can cause discomfort, and a varicocele can affect fertility.
Symptoms
- A soft swelling in the scrotum, like a bag of worms (varicocele)
- A smooth, painless swelling around the testis (hydrocele)
- A heavy or dragging feeling, worse after standing or exercise
- A dull ache in the scrotum
- One testis smaller than the other
Common causes
- Varicocele: valves in the veins that do not work well, so blood pools
- Hydrocele: fluid that collects around the testis, sometimes after injury or infection
- Both can appear without a clear reason
How Dato’ Dr Azhar assesses and treats them
Dato’ Dr Azhar examines the scrotum and arranges an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and check the testis. Small, painless swellings may only need monitoring. When a varicocele causes pain, affects fertility or makes a testis smaller, he can treat it with a minor operation to close off the enlarged veins. A hydrocele that is large or uncomfortable is treated with a short operation to remove the fluid sac. Both are usually day procedures.
When to see a urologist
- Any new swelling in the scrotum, to rule out other causes
- Ongoing ache or heaviness
- Trying for a baby with an abnormal semen analysis
- A testis that is getting smaller
- Sudden severe pain in the testis: seek urgent care
FAQs
Is a varicocele dangerous?
Usually not, but it can cause discomfort and affect sperm quality, so it is worth checking.
Will a hydrocele go away on its own?
Small hydroceles sometimes settle, especially in babies. In adults, a large hydrocele usually needs surgery to go away.
Is the surgery done as a day case?
Usually yes. Most men go home the same day and return to normal activity within one to two weeks.