What Do We Mean By A Spermatocele And How Is It Caused?
A Spermatocele which is also known by the name of an epididymal cyst is a fluid filled cyst present in the epididymis which is a coiled tube present behind each testicle. This fluid at times contains sperms which are no longer useful. The cyst will feel like smooth firm lump in the scrotum on top of the testicle.
Spermatocele is a benign condition and it does not in any way affect the fertility of an individual. The exact cause of a Spermatocele is still a matter of investigation but some researchers are of the belief that it may be caused due to some type of obstruction of the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. These tubes are also referred to as epididymal ducts.
Usually Spermatocele does not cause any painful symptoms and at most an individual may feel that one testicle is heavier than the other due to the fluid filled cyst.
Do Spermatoceles Go Away On Their Own?
The answer to this question is Spermatocele does not go away on its own even though it is a harmless condition and very minimal treatment is required due to its asymptomatic nature. In case if an individual has a Spermatocele that is painful then at most the physician may prescribe over the counter pain medications to calm down the pain and inflammation.
In some cases if the Spermatocele gets big enough to make an individual uncomfortable where he may find it difficult to sit or drive then the physician may recommend surgery to remove the cyst. The procedure to remove the Spermatocele is termed as spermatocelectomy. It is done on an outpatient basis and is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made in the affected scrotum and the fluid is drained from the cyst. Postsurgery the individual may have to wear an athletic supporter to protect the incision and prevent any infection from developing. The individual will have to apply ice packs over the area for a few days to keep the swelling down and take pain medication for control of pain after surgery.
Usually, there are no complications from this procedure but in some cases this surgery has affected the fertility of an individual due to damage to the epididymis. Postsurgery, the chances of recurrence of a Spermatocele is also quite high.
Aspiration is yet another way to treat Spermatocele. The physician will numb the affected area and inject the scrotum and drain all the fluid present in the cyst. The physician may then inject a chemical which will act as an irritant in the cyst which results in the scarring of the cyst and prevent any chances of recurrence. Thus, Spermatocele does not go away on its own but treatment is not always necessary since this condition is quite benign and asymptomatic.
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