Associated symptoms
Especially small testicular hernias can often be symptom-free, whereas larger hernias are always accompanied by accompanying symptoms. Typically, the symptoms are aggravated when coughing, pressing or carrying heavy loads, as this increases the pressure in the abdominal cavity. Depending on the size of the hernia, the following symptoms may occur: Scrotal hernias also cause blood admixture in the stool.
The affected men feel sick and exhausted. A testicular hernia becomes problematic when a part of the intestines is constricted by the hernia and thus cut off from the blood supply. In such cases there is suddenly very strong pain as well as nausea and vomiting. An incarcerated hernia (incarceration) is an absolute emergency and must be operated on immediately.
- Visible enlargement of the scrotum
- Pressure sensitivity and clamping.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stool irregularities such as constipation or diarrhea
Diagnosis
If a testicular hernia is suspected, the affected men should consult a urologist. The doctor will make the diagnosis of a testicular hernia during a physical examination by palpation of the groin and the testicles. In doing so, he can determine whether parts of the intestine are palpable in the testicles and whether the hernia sac can be pushed back into the groin.
To exclude the possibility of rectal cancer, the doctor also performs a digital-rectal examination in which the rectum is palpated with a finger via the anus. In most cases, an ultrasound examination of the abdomen is also performed. Through this examination, the doctor can determine the size of the hernial orifice in the abdominal wall and whether abdominal organs are trapped.
Pain
A hydrocele is an accumulation of fluid in the testicles. As in testicular hernia, hydrocele causes a significant enlargement of the scrotum. However, in contrast to a testicular hernia, no intestines from the abdominal cavity enter the testicle, but fluid collects in the testicle.
Frequent causes of a hydrocele are inflammation of the testicles, tumor diseases or trauma (e.g. kick in the testicles). In male newborns, congenital hydrocele sometimes occurs. In this case, the connection between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum does not close completely during development – as is usually the case.
As a result, water from the abdominal cavity can accumulate in the scrotum. A hydrocele usually causes no pain. The therapy consists of a small operation in which the existing connection between abdomen and scrotum is interrupted.
