1. What are Testicular Cysts?
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that may occur inside the testicle. Most of them are probably benign. To rule out anything abnormal, you may want to follow up with your doctor. He should let you know if indeed they could pose health issues such as infertility. For instance, spermatoceles, also known as spermatic cysts, are typically painless, noncancerous cysts that grow from the epididymis near the top of the testicle. These testicular cysts are smooth and filled with a milky or clear colored fluid containing sperm. You may want to keep an eye on them, to see if they remain stable in size or grow. If it enlarges or leads to pain, then you might need an appropriate medical treatment.
2. What is Your Chance of Getting a Testicular Cyst?
There is no single reason that you will get it, although they occur in 30% of all men. It could be an injury or inflammation. Possible blockage of the passages inside the testicle may also lead to spermatocele formation. There are other experts who think that exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic form of estrogen, during pregnancy can cause testicular cysts. As you enter your forties and fifties, there is a chance you might develop testicular cysts, regardless of where you are born or brought up.
3. How Does Your Doctor Confirm?
Once you report your discovery to your doctor, he will evaluate the cysts by thoroughly examining your testicles. To make sure it's not a solid tumor but only a harmless cyst, the doctor may use the techniques of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A three-dimensional ultrasound examination can reveal the extent of nodules, cysts or tumors in a testicle.
4. How Do You Manage Testicular Cysts?
Only when it becomes inevitable due to pain or swelling, you will need treatment. Pain killers or anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain. However, if surgery is required, do not hesitate to ask your doctor about possible concerns related to recovery and side effects. Testicular cysts internally may be treated with simple cyst surgery. For external cysts such as spermatocele, there are complicated therapies involving needle aspiration as well as injection of agents directly into the spermatocele. There is a risk of complications, however, including fever, infection and bleeding. And further pain medications and ice packs to decrease swelling. It may take a few days for recovery.
5. Can You Prevent Testicular Cysts?
There is nothing you can do to prevent them except to avoid injury and exposure to obnoxious agents. Also, regular self-examination of testicles at least once a month for any abnormal changes in size or texture is essential. You may want to take up with your doctor as to the best possible options available. Detected early, simple intratesticular cysts can be managed conservatively with regular ultrasound surveillance by an experienced uroradiologist, without going under the knife.
