Baby's testicles are swollen: What you need to know

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A boy's scrotum is the sac containing the two testicles. Swollen testicles are a common problem that can have many causes. Swollen testicles are generally divided into two types: painless swollen testicles and painful swollen testicles.

1. What is testicular swelling in children?

The scrotum is a sac containing the 2 testicles. Scrotal swelling, or swelling of the testicles, is a common problem with male infants or children. Swollen testicles in children can occur for a variety of reasons and can be divided into two types: painless scrotal swelling and painful scrotal swelling.

2. Causes of testicular swelling in children

If your baby's testicles are swollen soon after birth, it is most likely because the newborn has brought in extra fluids and hormones that the baby can get from the mother mine. This swelling of the testicles is harmless and the fluid in it will be passed out in the urine after a few days. If the swelling continues, especially in cases where the child only has swelling in one testicle, it is possible that the child has developed hydrocele, in which fluid from the abdomen accumulates in one testicle. or possibly an inguinal hernia where a loop of bowel runs down the testicle.
When one of your baby's testicles is swollen, it could also be because he has hydrocele syndrome. A boy's testicles develop inside the abdomen while he's still in the womb, and sometimes before birth, they usually push through a tube in the tissue between the groin and abdomen and then down into the scrotum. At that point, the passage through the abdominal wall will close. If it remains open (in fact, about 50% of boys have it) fluid can accumulate around the testicle and cause swelling. This soft, round, swollen area is called a hydrocele, and it's completely harmless and should go away by the time your baby is 1 year old. If that doesn't happen, the child may need minor surgery to remove all the fluid and also close the opening.
Another child's case that can also cause one testicle to swell is an inguinal hernia. This is a dangerous condition and requires medical intervention. In fact, about 4% of boys (increasing to 30% in cases of preterm birth) are born with an opening in the abdominal wall large enough to allow a loop of their intestines to enter the genital area. This loop of bowel creates a hard, oblong lump about the size of a thumb in your baby's scrotum (a loose pouch of skin underneath the penis containing the testicles). This tumor is called an inguinal hernia. This bowel loop can return to the abdomen when the baby is relaxed and then expand again when the baby is active or crying. In this case, your baby will need a minor surgery to fix the problem from this hernia. However, this is not an emergency unless the parent notices that the bump has suddenly become larger, harder, or darker, or that the baby is vomiting frequently or is in so much pain that it makes them cry. This may be because loops of bowel have become trapped in the scrotum, which causes the testicles to be cut off from their blood supply and nutrients. If this happens, the child needs immediate surgery to minimize possible damage to the intestines.

3. Symptoms and diagnosis of testicular swelling in children

Symptoms of testicular swelling vary depending on the cause of the condition. In addition to swelling, your baby may also be in pain or experience other symptoms. Parents should take their children to medical facilities for proper diagnosis and treatment.
To diagnose testicular swelling in children, doctors will conduct a survey of the baby's symptoms and health history. They may also take into account the health history of other family members of the child. The doctor will then conduct a general physical examination of the baby, including an examination of the abdomen, scrotum and testicles. Certain tests, especially urine tests, may also be ordered to check for infection in a child. In addition, if necessary, some imaging tests can also be used.

4. Treatment of swollen testicles in children

Treatment for testicular swelling will depend on your baby's symptoms, age, and general health. They also depend on the severity of the swelling of the testicles. Treatment may include some of the following:
Surgery: For children with testicular torsion, emergency surgery is indicated to return the testicles to normal. In addition, the baby also needs surgery if there is a severe injury to the scrotum and testicles. In addition, the child also needs emergency surgery if the hernia is stuck or squeezed. In cases where the hernia is not trapped, doctors often recommend elective surgery. Testicular surgery is also indicated in cases of testicular cancer. Use of drugs: If the child has a bacterial infection, he will be prescribed antibiotics. Testicular cancer in boys usually responds well to cancer drugs. But in many cases, radiation therapy is still needed. Watch over time: Children may not need treatment for some minor injuries such as minor trauma, mumps, small hernias, hydroceles, idiopathic swelling, or Henoch Schönlein purpura. Most of them are followed up to see if the symptoms go away on their own. Doctors will sometimes only prescribe certain pain and swelling medications while monitoring these conditions. Doctors will also provide parents with complete information about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all of these treatments.

5. Complications of testicular swelling in children

If not treated appropriately and promptly, varicocele over time can lead to permanent testicular damage and prevent children as adults from having children. Sudden and serious causes of testicular swelling such as testicular torsion require immediate surgery within a few hours or the testicle may stop working permanently.
In the cases outlined below, the child's parents should take the child to a medical facility as soon as possible, including:
Scrotal pain that doesn't go away Pain from trauma to the testicle lasting more than an hour clock Symptoms that don't tend to get better or get worse New symptoms Swelling of the testicles or scrotum that is severe and begins suddenly is an emergency and needs immediate attention. instantly. Swollen testicles or scrotum swelling is a common health problem in infants as well as male children. It can happen quickly or slowly over time. Swollen testicles in children have many causes. In some cases, the swelling of the testicles does not require any treatment, but just needs to be observed for a certain period of time and disappears on its own. In other cases, your baby may need medication and even surgical intervention.

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