Scrotal Swelling
Scrotum is a sac like structure that is seen hanging behind the penis. A part of the male reproductive system, a pouch that contains testicles. These testicles are male reproductive glands that lie within the scrotum and manufacture sperms that help to give birth to children, when in contact with the female egg.
Doctors consider scrotum as an extension of the abdominal area that projects outwards. To be more specific, this protruding skin hangs freely between the penis and the anus. It holds two very important organs, the testicles that do the job of sperm synthesis for reproduction. Although the scrotum is made up of thick tough skin, it is susceptible to quite a few health issues, one of the most common being scrotal swelling.
Scrotal swelling is nothing but the inflammation of the scrotum. In this condition, the scrotum is no longer seen in its normal size. The swelling increase the size and volume of the scrotum. Sometimes the swollen scrotal area causes mild pain, but many times, it brings severe pain.
Causes
Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal means related to the groin area. In this condition the tissues of the small intestine (upper abdominal area) displace from the normal position and are seen protruding through the weaker sections of the muscles belonging to the lower abdominal area. Generally the protrusion due to this type of hernia, is observed in the groin area. In most cases, these protruding tissues do not remain restricted in the groin area, as some of these tissues move into the scrotum, which may lead to scrotal swelling, especially after lifting heavy objects.
Epididymitis
When the epididymis gets inflamed, the condition is referred to as epididymitis. The epididymis is a curved tube like structure in the scrotum found behind each testicle. The epididymis travels from the testes and ends at the vas deferens, another tubular structure, that hold the sperm. The main function of epididymitis is to collect the sperms from the source of production (testicles) and pass it on to vas deferens, where they are finally ejaculated. It is frequently diagnosed in people who are in the age group of 18-36.
The inflammation of the epidymis, can trigger unbearable discomfort in the scrotum. The inflamed epidymis, may be the result of an injury to the scrotum or a bacterial infection of the urinary tract system, that eventually targets the scrotal area. Epididymitis can also occur if the person is suffering from a sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Orchitis
In this condition, the testicles that lay protected in the scrotum become inflamed. The inflammation of the testicles can be due to a bacterial or a viral infection. In most cases, both the testicles are involved, however even if one testicle is swollen, it can bring a considerable amount of pain. People who frequently suffer from a urinary tract infection (UTI) or are more than 45 years old are susceptible to this condition.
Surgery
People who have undergone an inguinal hernia surgery may also experience pain for a few weeks. The incisions made in the groin area to pull back the 'bulging out' intestinal tissues to their normal position, can affect the scrotum and manifest in the form of scrotal swelling, which may last approximately for 3 to 8 months.
Treatment depends upon the underlying condition that is causing this discomfort. However, in order to reduce the pain, gently rubbing an ice pack is helpful in this regard. Other precautions such as wearing comfortably fitting underwear, less physical activity and temporary stopping any form of cardiovascular exercise such as running or lifting weights, is necessary, to reduce the swelling and the pain. In case of epididymitis that is the result of urinary tract infections are usually treated with antibiotics and pain killers.
