What is the Treatment for Spermatocele?

A spermatocele or epididymal cyst is an abnormal, fluid-filled and benign cyst that grows in the head of the epididymis. It usually shows no symptoms and is incidentally found in almost 30% asymptomatic males.

The cyst contains a cloudy or clear liquid that may or may not contain dead sperms. Experts are still pursuing the cause of spermatocele, but it is believed to be caused due to some obstructions in the epididymal ducts.

Generally, Spermatocele causes no harm to the patient and is usually left without any treatment. Also, since it remains stable in its size most of the time, one may not feel or notice the lumps above or behind the testicles. However, if the patients experience any pain,  swelling or redness in the scrotum or heaviness at the base of the penis, then it is better to get proper treatment for this medical condition.

Spermatocele Treatment

Below given are the available treatment options for Spermatocele:

Medications

If the patient experiences pain or swelling, then the doctor may provide some over-the-counter medicines. Medicines like Tylenol or ibuprofen help in reducing the pain and swelling caused due to spermatocele.

Surgery

When oral medications do not give any relief, then the doctor recommends surgery to remove the cyst. The patient will be given general anesthesia and a small cut is made in the scrotum and the cyst is separated from the epididymis and removed. Post-surgery, the patient will have to wear a gauze-filled athletic supporter to protect the area of surgery for a few days. For any pain or swelling, the doctor may prescribe oral pain medications and will also advise the patient to apply ice packs a couple of times for a few days.

Aspiration

This is a minimally invasive therapy in which the doctor inserts a needle into the epididymis and the fluid is drained from the cyst.

Sclerotherapy

After the aspiration therapy, if the spermatocele reoccurs, then sclerotherapy is done. In this technique, the fluid is drained out from the sac and it is filled with an irritating agent that forms the scar tissue. This actually lowers the chance of reoccurrence. Sclerotherapy can cause damage to epididymis which can lead to infertility.

Other Treatment Options

For spermatocele treatment, natural remedies can also be used. Maintaining a balanced diet with less fat and more iodine content is vital. A deficiency of iodine can cause cyst formation. Also, the topical application of iodine, magnesium and chromium chloride can also be used for the spermatocele treatment.