Hydrocele
A hydrocele – water on the testicle – is a buildup of fluid in the coverings of the testicle, which shows up as an enlargement of the scrotum that does not hurt. It is a benign condition, but a testicular tumour can produce the same symptom, so an ultrasound examination is essential. Diagnostics at Proctocare in Bratislava are led by MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, a urologist and urologic oncologist.
- Your finding is assessed by MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, a board-certified urologist and urologic oncologist
- We do a testicular ultrasound right on site – it is part of the initial examination and reliably distinguishes a hydrocele from a tumour
- Fast appointment usually within a few days, with no referral and discreetly
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What is a hydrocele?
The testicle is enclosed in a thin membrane, between whose layers a small amount of fluid is normally present. With a hydrocele, more of this clear fluid builds up and the scrotum enlarges on the affected side. The enlargement usually does not hurt, is soft to springy, and may change over the course of the day.
In newborns and small boys a hydrocele is related to development and often resolves on its own. In adult men it arises either without an obvious cause or as a reaction to inflammation, injury or another process in the scrotum. That is exactly why we are never satisfied with saying “it’s just water” – we always check the testicle itself by ultrasound to rule out a testicular tumour, which can present very similarly.
Symptoms of a hydrocele
- enlargement of one or both sides of the scrotum that does not hurt
- a feeling of heaviness, pressure or fullness in the scrotum
- a soft, springy and smooth mass around the testicle
- the size may vary – it tends to be more pronounced in the evening or after exertion
- with a large hydrocele, discomfort when walking, sitting or during intimacy
- pain is not typical – if it appears, there may be an associated inflammation
If the enlargement of the scrotum is painful, also read the page on testicular pain – sudden severe pain is an emergency.
Causes and risk factors
- idiopathic hydrocele – develops gradually without an obvious cause, especially in men over 40
- inflammation of the testicle or epididymis
- injury to the scrotum
- condition after surgery in the groin or scrotal area
- in boys, a connection between the abdomen and the scrotum that has not closed during development
- rarely a reaction to a testicular tumour – which is why ultrasound is essential
Diagnosis – ultrasound tells a hydrocele from a tumour
The basis is a physical examination and an ultrasound of the scrotum, which we do right away during your visit – it is part of the initial urological examination. Ultrasound shows the amount of fluid precisely and, above all, reliably assesses the testicle itself – this is key, because a large hydrocele can completely hide the testicle from palpation.
Depending on the findings, we can add a urine test or other tests to rule out inflammation. You will know the result and the recommended next steps immediately after the examination; details can be found in the price list.
Treatment of a hydrocele – how we help you
A small hydrocele that causes no trouble needs no treatment. We will tell you honestly what we provide at our clinic and when surgery at a specialised centre makes sense.
Diagnosis and ruling out a tumour
We confirm the hydrocele by ultrasound and check that the testicle is healthy. Distinguishing it from a tumour is the most important step of the whole examination.
Monitoring a small hydrocele
A hydrocele that does not bother you usually only needs regular check-ups.
Treating an associated inflammation
If the hydrocele arose as a reaction to inflammation of the testicle or epididymis, we treat the inflammation on an outpatient basis and monitor the fluid receding by ultrasound.
Preparation for surgery and referral
Hydrocele surgery is performed in hospital. For a large or bothersome hydrocele we prepare you, direct you to a specialised centre and take over your follow-up after the procedure – MUDr. Rybár also practises at Bory Hospital.
When to see a doctor?
Any enlargement of the scrotum deserves a professional examination – even if it does not hurt.
- you have noticed an enlargement of one or both sides of the scrotum
- you feel heaviness, pressure or discomfort in the scrotum
- the enlargement is gradually becoming more pronounced
- you have felt a lump or a firmer spot on the testicle
- the enlargement is accompanied by pain, redness or fever
Have your finding checked by ultrasound
Call +421 948 687 667 – you will usually get an appointment within a few days, and urgent cases are seen with priority. We do both the ultrasound and the assessment during a single visit.
Frequently asked questions
A hydrocele itself is benign and not life-threatening. What matters, however, is to confirm by ultrasound that it really is just fluid and that the testicle beneath it is healthy – a testicular tumour can present in a similar way.
An ultrasound examination reliably distinguishes fluid from tissue and shows the structure of the testicle. We do it directly at the office as part of the initial examination, so you will know the answer during your very first visit.
Not always. A small hydrocele that causes no trouble is usually just monitored. Surgery is considered for a large hydrocele that gets in the way when walking, sitting or during intimacy. If it is appropriate, we prepare you and direct you to a specialised hospital centre.
No, hydrocele surgery is performed in hospital. At our clinic we provide diagnosis, monitoring and preparation for the procedure, direct you to the right centre and take over your follow-up after the surgery.
In small boys, yes – a developmental hydrocele often resolves on its own. In adult men spontaneous disappearance is not the rule; if the hydrocele arose with an inflammation, the fluid may be reabsorbed once the inflammation has been treated. We monitor its course by ultrasound.
Related topics
Testicular pain
An overview of the causes of testicular pain – from inflammation to emergency torsion.
Testicular cancer
An enlargement or lump that does not hurt can be its first sign – early detection means a high cure rate.
Who will take care of you
Urologist and urologic oncologist · lead specialist for urology at Proctocare
MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of urological and urologic oncology conditions, with an emphasis on modern diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Urologist and urologic oncologist at Bory Hospital
- Clinical fellowships at urology departments in Sweden and Lithuania
- Author of publications in professional journals
Urologist · Bratislava office
MUDr. Patrik Hesko focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions, with an emphasis on modern diagnostic procedures and an individual approach to each patient.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, PhD. – urologist and uro-oncologist, head medical guarantor of urology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Enlarged scrotum? Find out what is behind it
Book an examination with ultrasound directly on site – discreetly, with no referral, appointment usually within a few days.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Hydrocele
A hydrocele – water on the testicle – is a buildup of fluid in the coverings of the testicle, which shows up as an enlargement of the scrotum that does not hurt. It is a benign condition, but a testicular tumour can produce the same symptom, so an ultrasound examination is essential. Diagnostics at Proctocare in Bratislava are led by MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, a urologist and urologic oncologist.
- Your finding is assessed by MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, a board-certified urologist and urologic oncologist
- We do a testicular ultrasound right on site – it is part of the initial examination and reliably distinguishes a hydrocele from a tumour
- Fast appointment usually within a few days, with no referral and discreetly
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What is a hydrocele?
The testicle is enclosed in a thin membrane, between whose layers a small amount of fluid is normally present. With a hydrocele, more of this clear fluid builds up and the scrotum enlarges on the affected side. The enlargement usually does not hurt, is soft to springy, and may change over the course of the day.
In newborns and small boys a hydrocele is related to development and often resolves on its own. In adult men it arises either without an obvious cause or as a reaction to inflammation, injury or another process in the scrotum. That is exactly why we are never satisfied with saying “it’s just water” – we always check the testicle itself by ultrasound to rule out a testicular tumour, which can present very similarly.
Symptoms of a hydrocele
- enlargement of one or both sides of the scrotum that does not hurt
- a feeling of heaviness, pressure or fullness in the scrotum
- a soft, springy and smooth mass around the testicle
- the size may vary – it tends to be more pronounced in the evening or after exertion
- with a large hydrocele, discomfort when walking, sitting or during intimacy
- pain is not typical – if it appears, there may be an associated inflammation
If the enlargement of the scrotum is painful, also read the page on testicular pain – sudden severe pain is an emergency.
Causes and risk factors
- idiopathic hydrocele – develops gradually without an obvious cause, especially in men over 40
- inflammation of the testicle or epididymis
- injury to the scrotum
- condition after surgery in the groin or scrotal area
- in boys, a connection between the abdomen and the scrotum that has not closed during development
- rarely a reaction to a testicular tumour – which is why ultrasound is essential
Diagnosis – ultrasound tells a hydrocele from a tumour
The basis is a physical examination and an ultrasound of the scrotum, which we do right away during your visit – it is part of the initial urological examination. Ultrasound shows the amount of fluid precisely and, above all, reliably assesses the testicle itself – this is key, because a large hydrocele can completely hide the testicle from palpation.
Depending on the findings, we can add a urine test or other tests to rule out inflammation. You will know the result and the recommended next steps immediately after the examination; details can be found in the price list.
Treatment of a hydrocele – how we help you
A small hydrocele that causes no trouble needs no treatment. We will tell you honestly what we provide at our clinic and when surgery at a specialised centre makes sense.
Diagnosis and ruling out a tumour
We confirm the hydrocele by ultrasound and check that the testicle is healthy. Distinguishing it from a tumour is the most important step of the whole examination.
Monitoring a small hydrocele
A hydrocele that does not bother you usually only needs regular check-ups.
Treating an associated inflammation
If the hydrocele arose as a reaction to inflammation of the testicle or epididymis, we treat the inflammation on an outpatient basis and monitor the fluid receding by ultrasound.
Preparation for surgery and referral
Hydrocele surgery is performed in hospital. For a large or bothersome hydrocele we prepare you, direct you to a specialised centre and take over your follow-up after the procedure – MUDr. Rybár also practises at Bory Hospital.
When to see a doctor?
Any enlargement of the scrotum deserves a professional examination – even if it does not hurt.
- you have noticed an enlargement of one or both sides of the scrotum
- you feel heaviness, pressure or discomfort in the scrotum
- the enlargement is gradually becoming more pronounced
- you have felt a lump or a firmer spot on the testicle
- the enlargement is accompanied by pain, redness or fever
Have your finding checked by ultrasound
Call +421 948 687 667 – you will usually get an appointment within a few days, and urgent cases are seen with priority. We do both the ultrasound and the assessment during a single visit.
Frequently asked questions
A hydrocele itself is benign and not life-threatening. What matters, however, is to confirm by ultrasound that it really is just fluid and that the testicle beneath it is healthy – a testicular tumour can present in a similar way.
An ultrasound examination reliably distinguishes fluid from tissue and shows the structure of the testicle. We do it directly at the office as part of the initial examination, so you will know the answer during your very first visit.
Not always. A small hydrocele that causes no trouble is usually just monitored. Surgery is considered for a large hydrocele that gets in the way when walking, sitting or during intimacy. If it is appropriate, we prepare you and direct you to a specialised hospital centre.
No, hydrocele surgery is performed in hospital. At our clinic we provide diagnosis, monitoring and preparation for the procedure, direct you to the right centre and take over your follow-up after the surgery.
In small boys, yes – a developmental hydrocele often resolves on its own. In adult men spontaneous disappearance is not the rule; if the hydrocele arose with an inflammation, the fluid may be reabsorbed once the inflammation has been treated. We monitor its course by ultrasound.
Related topics
Testicular pain
An overview of the causes of testicular pain – from inflammation to emergency torsion.
Testicular cancer
An enlargement or lump that does not hurt can be its first sign – early detection means a high cure rate.
Who will take care of you
Urologist and urologic oncologist · lead specialist for urology at Proctocare
MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of urological and urologic oncology conditions, with an emphasis on modern diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Urologist and urologic oncologist at Bory Hospital
- Clinical fellowships at urology departments in Sweden and Lithuania
- Author of publications in professional journals
Urologist · Bratislava office
MUDr. Patrik Hesko focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions, with an emphasis on modern diagnostic procedures and an individual approach to each patient.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, PhD. – urologist and uro-oncologist, head medical guarantor of urology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Enlarged scrotum? Find out what is behind it
Book an examination with ultrasound directly on site – discreetly, with no referral, appointment usually within a few days.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Hydrocele
A hydrocele – water on the testicle – is a buildup of fluid in the coverings of the testicle, which shows up as an enlargement of the scrotum that does not hurt. It is a benign condition, but a testicular tumour can produce the same symptom, so an ultrasound examination is essential. Diagnostics at Proctocare in Bratislava are led by MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, a urologist and urologic oncologist.
- Your finding is assessed by MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, a board-certified urologist and urologic oncologist
- We do a testicular ultrasound right on site – it is part of the initial examination and reliably distinguishes a hydrocele from a tumour
- Fast appointment usually within a few days, with no referral and discreetly
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What is a hydrocele?
The testicle is enclosed in a thin membrane, between whose layers a small amount of fluid is normally present. With a hydrocele, more of this clear fluid builds up and the scrotum enlarges on the affected side. The enlargement usually does not hurt, is soft to springy, and may change over the course of the day.
In newborns and small boys a hydrocele is related to development and often resolves on its own. In adult men it arises either without an obvious cause or as a reaction to inflammation, injury or another process in the scrotum. That is exactly why we are never satisfied with saying “it’s just water” – we always check the testicle itself by ultrasound to rule out a testicular tumour, which can present very similarly.
Symptoms of a hydrocele
- enlargement of one or both sides of the scrotum that does not hurt
- a feeling of heaviness, pressure or fullness in the scrotum
- a soft, springy and smooth mass around the testicle
- the size may vary – it tends to be more pronounced in the evening or after exertion
- with a large hydrocele, discomfort when walking, sitting or during intimacy
- pain is not typical – if it appears, there may be an associated inflammation
If the enlargement of the scrotum is painful, also read the page on testicular pain – sudden severe pain is an emergency.
Causes and risk factors
- idiopathic hydrocele – develops gradually without an obvious cause, especially in men over 40
- inflammation of the testicle or epididymis
- injury to the scrotum
- condition after surgery in the groin or scrotal area
- in boys, a connection between the abdomen and the scrotum that has not closed during development
- rarely a reaction to a testicular tumour – which is why ultrasound is essential
Diagnosis – ultrasound tells a hydrocele from a tumour
The basis is a physical examination and an ultrasound of the scrotum, which we do right away during your visit – it is part of the initial urological examination. Ultrasound shows the amount of fluid precisely and, above all, reliably assesses the testicle itself – this is key, because a large hydrocele can completely hide the testicle from palpation.
Depending on the findings, we can add a urine test or other tests to rule out inflammation. You will know the result and the recommended next steps immediately after the examination; details can be found in the price list.
Treatment of a hydrocele – how we help you
A small hydrocele that causes no trouble needs no treatment. We will tell you honestly what we provide at our clinic and when surgery at a specialised centre makes sense.
Diagnosis and ruling out a tumour
We confirm the hydrocele by ultrasound and check that the testicle is healthy. Distinguishing it from a tumour is the most important step of the whole examination.
Monitoring a small hydrocele
A hydrocele that does not bother you usually only needs regular check-ups.
Treating an associated inflammation
If the hydrocele arose as a reaction to inflammation of the testicle or epididymis, we treat the inflammation on an outpatient basis and monitor the fluid receding by ultrasound.
Preparation for surgery and referral
Hydrocele surgery is performed in hospital. For a large or bothersome hydrocele we prepare you, direct you to a specialised centre and take over your follow-up after the procedure – MUDr. Rybár also practises at Bory Hospital.
When to see a doctor?
Any enlargement of the scrotum deserves a professional examination – even if it does not hurt.
- you have noticed an enlargement of one or both sides of the scrotum
- you feel heaviness, pressure or discomfort in the scrotum
- the enlargement is gradually becoming more pronounced
- you have felt a lump or a firmer spot on the testicle
- the enlargement is accompanied by pain, redness or fever
Have your finding checked by ultrasound
Call +421 948 687 667 – you will usually get an appointment within a few days, and urgent cases are seen with priority. We do both the ultrasound and the assessment during a single visit.
Frequently asked questions
A hydrocele itself is benign and not life-threatening. What matters, however, is to confirm by ultrasound that it really is just fluid and that the testicle beneath it is healthy – a testicular tumour can present in a similar way.
An ultrasound examination reliably distinguishes fluid from tissue and shows the structure of the testicle. We do it directly at the office as part of the initial examination, so you will know the answer during your very first visit.
Not always. A small hydrocele that causes no trouble is usually just monitored. Surgery is considered for a large hydrocele that gets in the way when walking, sitting or during intimacy. If it is appropriate, we prepare you and direct you to a specialised hospital centre.
No, hydrocele surgery is performed in hospital. At our clinic we provide diagnosis, monitoring and preparation for the procedure, direct you to the right centre and take over your follow-up after the surgery.
In small boys, yes – a developmental hydrocele often resolves on its own. In adult men spontaneous disappearance is not the rule; if the hydrocele arose with an inflammation, the fluid may be reabsorbed once the inflammation has been treated. We monitor its course by ultrasound.
Related topics
Testicular pain
An overview of the causes of testicular pain – from inflammation to emergency torsion.
Testicular cancer
An enlargement or lump that does not hurt can be its first sign – early detection means a high cure rate.
Who will take care of you
Urologist and urologic oncologist · lead specialist for urology at Proctocare
MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of urological and urologic oncology conditions, with an emphasis on modern diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Urologist and urologic oncologist at Bory Hospital
- Clinical fellowships at urology departments in Sweden and Lithuania
- Author of publications in professional journals
Urologist · Bratislava office
MUDr. Patrik Hesko focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions, with an emphasis on modern diagnostic procedures and an individual approach to each patient.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, PhD. – urologist and uro-oncologist, head medical guarantor of urology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Enlarged scrotum? Find out what is behind it
Book an examination with ultrasound directly on site – discreetly, with no referral, appointment usually within a few days.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk