Hydrocele: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Get emergency help for:

   • Sudden, severe testicular or scrotal pain
   • Pain with nausea or vomiting
   • A testicle that appears higher or at a different angle
   • A painful, firm groin or scrotal lump that does not settle
   • Severe swelling or pain after an injury
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt same-day care if the swelling becomes painful, red, hot, rapidly larger, or is accompanied by fever.

   These features may suggest infection, bleeding, inflammation, or another condition.

   It requires urgent treatment and should not be assumed to be pain from a hydrocele.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine medical appointment for any new scrotal swelling, even when it is painless.

   Babies and children with scrotal swelling should also be examined so that a communicating hydrocele and hernia can be considered.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hydrocele. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.