Spermatocele: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Complications

An abnormal sac (cyst) called a spermatocele grows in the epididymis, the tiny, coiled tube on the upper testicle that gathers and transmits sperm. A spermatocele is a benign, mostly painless protrusion filled with a clear or milky fluid that may or may not contain sperm.

Although the precise reason for spermatoceles is yet unknown, one possibility is an obstruction in the sperm transport tube.

Spermatoceles, also known as spermatic cysts, are a common occurrence. They usually don't need medical attention or have an impact on fertility. If a spermatocele becomes bothersome, your physician may recommend surgery.

Causes Of Spermatocele

It is unknown what causes spermatoceles. Spermatoceles can be brought on by an obstruction in one of the many tubes in the epididymis that transport and retain sperm from the testicle.

Symptoms Of Spermatocele

Typically, a spermatocele shows no symptoms and can maintain its size. On the other hand, should it get large enough, you might:

• Pain or suffering in the affected testicle
• Excess spermatocele above and beneath the testicle is linked to testicular heaviness.

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Risk Factors Of Spermatocele

The development of spermatoceles is associated with few established risk factors. Spermatoceles seem to be more common in males whose mothers used diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent loss and other pregnancy complications during their pregnancies. The use of this medication was stopped in 1971 due to worries about an increased risk of rare vaginal cancer in women.

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Diagnosis Of Spermatocele

It's quite beneficial to examine your testicles during or immediately after a warm bath or shower. The heat from the water relaxes your scrotum and makes it easier for you to notice anything unusual.Afterward, take these actions:

• Position yourself in front of the mirror. On the scrotal skin, look for any signs of edoema.
• Using both hands, examine each testicle. Position your thumbs above the testicle and your middle and index fingers behind it.
• Roll the testicle slowly between your thumbs and fingers. Recall that testicles are normally oval-shaped, smooth, and moderately firm. One testicle typically being a little bigger than the other is normal. Additionally, the cord that rises from the apex of the testicle, known as the epididymis, is a common component of the scrotum.
• You will get more familiar with your testicles and aware of any changes that may be harmful if you carry out this inspection on a regular basis. As soon as you see any lumps, give your doctor a call. If you want to maintain your health, self-examination is crucial. However, it caAnnot replace a medical examination. Every time you have a physical examination, your doctor typically examines your testicles.

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 Treatment Of Spermatocele

While the majority of spermatoceles don't need to be treated, yours probably won't go away on its own. They typically don't cause problems or discomfort. If yours is extremely painful, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen .

Surgical procedure

Spermatocelectomy operations are often performed as outpatient procedures, using either a local or general anesthetic. The surgeon makes an incision in the scrotum to separate the spermatocele and epididymis.

Following surgery, it could be required to wear an athletic supporter packed with gauze to apply pressure and protect the wound site. Your doctor might also suggest that you:

• Use cold packs for two or three days to prevent edema.
• Orally administer pain medicines for a day or two.
• Attend a follow-up exam within a week or two of the procedure.
• Injuries to the epididymis or the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm, could affect fertility after surgery. Furthermore, a spermatocele may return even after surgery.

There are two options: sclerotherapy and aspiration.

Aspiration and sclerosing therapy are other, albeit rarely used, treatments. During aspiration, a specialized needle is inserted into the spermatocele to remove fluid (aspirated).

If the spermatocele reappears, your doctor can suggest aspirating the fluid again and then administering a painful injection (sclerotherapy) into the sac.

The irritating chemical causes scarring in the spermatocele sac, which fills in the space the fluid originally occupied and lessens the chance that the spermatocele will reappear.

The sclerotherapy may cause harm to the epididymis. It's also possible that your spermatocele will grow back.

Safeguarding your ability to conceive

There is a chance that surgery or sclerotherapy will harm the epididymis or vas deferens, which could affect fertility. This problem may need you to put off these treatments until after you have finished having children. If your spermatocele discomfort is too severe for you to wait, talk to your doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of sperm banking.

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Prevention Of Spermatocele

You should do scrotal self-examinations at least once a month to check for changes in your scrotum, such as masses, even if spermatoceles cannot be prevented. Any new mass in your scrotum has to be checked out immediately.

By learning how to conduct a testicular self-examination from your physician, you can raise your chances of finding a mass.

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Complications Of Spermatocele

It is unlikely that a spermatocele will cause problems.However, if your spermatocele is painful or has grown to such an extent that it is causing you problems, surgery may be necessary to remove it. 

After being surgically removed, damage may occur to the epididymis itself or the vas deferens, a tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the penis. Damage to either may reduce fertility. Another possible outcome is that the spermatocele may, albeit rarely, return after surgery.

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