Why are my baby’s  testicles swollen ?

Swollen testicles just after birth could be due to extra fluid newborns have or extra dose of hormones he may have received from you before childbirth. This is usually harmless. He will get rid of  it through his pee  after a few days. If the swelling persist, especially if it is just one swollen testicle, your baby may have developed hydrocele or an inguinal hernia.

What is hydrocele

When your baby has just one swollen testicle, he may have developed hydrocele.  This results when fluid from the abdomen accumulates in the testicles. A boy’s testicles develop inside his abdomen while he is still in the womb.  Sometime before birth, they usually push through a tunnel in the tissue between the groin and the abdomen  and then descend into the scrotal sac. At this point , the passage through the abdominal wall will close up. If it remains open as it does in about 50% of newborn boys, fluid may accumulate around the testicles and result in swelling. This round,  soft area of swelling is called the hydrocele . It shouldnt bother the baby and will probably go away by the time  he turns 1. If it doesnt  go away, he may need surgery to drain the fluid and close the opening.

What is  this hard lump that bulges out of my son’s testicle when he cries? ?

You should have it checked by your doctor. It is most likely inguinal hernia. About 30% of premature babies and 4% of boys  are born with an opening  in their abdominal wall, large enough to allow the loops of the intestines to poke through into the genital area.

This loop forms a firm, oblong lump about the size of your thumb in your baby’s scrotum. The lump is called inguinal hernia.  It may disappear back into the abdomen when the baby relaxes and bulge out when the baby cries or is active.

This is usually not an emergency until the lump suddenly becomes larger, harder or darker or if your baby is vomiting or in pain. This may be an indication that the loop has become trapped in the scrotum and as a result cut of its blood supply. The baby will need surgery immediately to prevent damage to the intestines.

 
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