Hydrocele (Non-Communicating)

A hydrocele is a buildup of fluid around the testicles, causing swelling of the scrotum. This is more common in newborns.

The testicles first form in the belly (abdomen) of the male fetus. Just before birth, the testicles move down into the scrotum through a tunnel called the inguinal canal. As this happens, the testicles push the belly lining along with them. This forms a pouch around the testicles inside the scrotum. The top of the pouch eventually closes up before birth. Sometimes fluid from the abdomen may pass into the scrotum. This fluid collects in a small sac within the scrotum and looks like a small swelling or bulge there.

This bulge is called a hydrocele (non-communicating type). It's painless and causes no harm. In most cases, the fluid is absorbed during a child's first 1 to 2 years. Sometimes it stays beyond 2 years of age and needs to be fixed with surgery.