Urologists have revealed that sudden swelling around the scrotum may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition and advised that it should be given prompt medical attention.
The experts noted that people with swollen scrotums are at higher risk of becoming impotent, which could lead to infertility.
The urologists explained that swelling around the scrotum happens when fluid starts to build up around the testicle or in other parts of the scrotum, adding that it could be a result of injury, infection or testicular tumour.
The University of Utah, a public research facility in Salt Lake City, United States, listed inguinal hernia, varicocele, oedema, testicular torsion, hydroceles, epididymal cyst, testicular infection as medical conditions that may cause sudden swelling around the scrotum.
The institution warned that swollen testicles can potentially impact fertility or the ability of the testicle to produce testosterone.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the Medical Director of Ogah Hospital and Urology Centre, Fugar, Edo State, Dr. Gabriel Ogah, said swollen scrotum could be a painless lump around the testicles.
He noted that in as much as it is not an indication of cancer, it should be treated before it becomes abnormally large.
“Swollen scrotum can occur in children and adults. Within one year, most of the swollen scrotums in children would have returned to normal. In adults, the causes are many, but most of the time, they are unknown. When there is swollen scrotum in adults, it can be sudden or gradual.
“When a scrotum swells suddenly, especially in young adults, and if it is the testis, we call it torsion. In this case, the scrotum swells with the testis in an active condition and it is common in secondary school students or undergraduates.
“In adults, it is usually gradual and painless. It can be due to trauma or infection. If a scrotum keeps increasing, the person should be worried. Parents should be worried when a child that is over a year has swollen scrotum.
“Also, if someone has sudden pain in the scrotum and it gets swollen, there is a need to find out the cause of the pain. If it is an infection, it should be treated urgently.Dr. Ogah noted that if a swollen scrotum is not increasing in size, it should be monitored closely; however, if it keeps increasing gradually, there is a cause for concern as it can eventually damage the testis.
“Anyone with swollen scrotum can be disposed to some other medical condition. It all depends on the cause of the swollen scrotum. If someone has a swollen scrotum and it is increasing, it can eventually lead to infertility because it can destroy the testis. Some will say it doesn’t mean anything, but it does mean a lot. If a swollen scrotum keeps increasing, it will eventually get to the testis, and if it crosses the testis, the person can become infertile.”
