A spermatocele is usuallybenign(noncancerous), and does not increase the risk oftesticular cancerorinfertility.
If the cyst is causing discomfort, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers may be prescribed.
Medical procedures, including surgery, may be recommended if the spermatocele is exceptionally large or painful.
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What Are the Symptoms of a Spermatocele?
A spermatocele usually causes no pain.
The cyst itself will feel soft, smooth, and painless.
The pain may be more noticeable at the end of the day.
As a rule of thumb, spermatoceles are not a serious medical issue.
Spermatocele vs. Epididymal Cyst
A spermatocele can also be referred to as an epididymal cyst.
With that said, an epididymal cyst can affect children before and after puberty.
A spermatocele is distinct in that it only occurs after puberty, when sperm cells are produced.
Do Spermatoceles Cause Infertility?
Spermatoceles are not associated withinfertility.
Complications of Spermatoceles
In rare situations, a spermatocele can cause a medical emergency known asepididymal torsion.
What Causes a Spermatocele?
It is not entirely clear what causes spermatoceles or why some people get them and others don’t.
The location of most of the cysts suggests a few explanations.
A spermatocele can also develop if an injury, infection, or surgery blocks the epididymis.
The only known risk factor for spermatoceles is older age.
How Are Spermatoceles Diagnosed?
The diagnosis will involve reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam.
If the mass is a spermatocele, dead sperm cells will be found in the fluid.
Treatment Options
Spermatoceles do not go away on their own but are rarely a cause of concern.
Moreover, they don’t need to be treated if you have no pain.
Your healthcare provider will simply advise you to continue to do self-exams and report any changes you find.
Medical Treatment
No medications can shrink or eliminate spermatoceles.
Medications are used solely for pain relief and/or to reduce swelling when needed.
If you have unrelentingchronic pain, atricyclic antidepressantlikeElavil (amitryptiline)orPamelor (nortriptyline)may be prescribed.
Another option is toapply a cold compressto your scrotum for 10 to 15 minutes to treatacute pain.
A safer option may be to soak a washcloth in ice water and apply it to the scrotum.
Surgery
If a cyst is especially large, surgery may be pursued to remove it altogether.
This carries significant risks and requires a skilled surgeon who can remove the spermatocele without compromising your fertility.
The surgery is performed on anoutpatient basisin a hospital or specialized surgical center and using eitherlocalorgeneral anesthesia.
Only a small incision in the scrotum is involved.
you’re able to usually return home after the procedure and shower 24 hours later.
Whats the Outlook?
Generally, the outlook is good if you’ve been diagnosed with a spermatocele.
Most people can live with spermatoceles without any impairment of their health, fertility, or quality of life.
The picture may be different if you require more aggressive treatment.
The risk may even be greater with spermatoceletomy, in which 10 of every 25 treated individuals experience recurrence.
People who are overweight or haveobesityare at the greatest risk.
It is typically painless and doesn’t increase the risk of infertility.
While the cause of spermatoceles is poorly understood, the condition is generally regarded as harmless.
A spermatocele doesn’t need treatment unless it causes pain.
Care needs to be taken when embarking on more invasive procedures as they may affect your fertility.
Expert consultation with a urologist is needed.
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Urology Care Foundation.How to perform a testicular self-examination.
2019;6(2):340-344. doi:10.18203/2349-2902.isj20190379
University of Washington Medical Center.About your surgery: spermatocelectomy.
