Spermatocele Symptoms and Treatments

Spermatocele is a cyst that develops in the area known as the epididymis which is located in relation to the upper pole of the testis. Epididymis is the area which collects the sperms produced by the testis and transports it to the vas difference to be part of the seminal fluid. Thus, a Spermatocele which develop in the epididymis will contain certain amount of spermatozoa but would contain mostly of a milky or colorless fluid. A Spermatocele will usually be about 1 cm in diameter or less and will be detected as an incidental finding or as a result of routine testicular self examination. But, in any event, the incidence of Spermatocele would be more in the age group 40 to 60 although it can occur at any age group.

How does a Spermatocele develop?

It is not clear from the literature how a Spermatocele is formed although the experts are of the opinion that blockage, surgery, trauma, infections and certain inherited conditions will increase the likelihood of a person developing the same.

What are the symptoms of a Spermatocele?

In most instances, a Spermatocele would not cause any symptoms at all and it will not lead to any complications as well. But, in certain instances, a person may complain of pain in the affected testis or more specifically in the region of the epididymis. The pain can be more in the event of touching the cyst than at rest.

If the Spermatocele enlarges to a significant level, there is a possibility of it giving rise to a discomfort or heavy feeling in the affected side.

At times, it is possible for the Spermatocele to give rise to compression effects and this can give rise to swelling in the vicinity.

What are the treatment options available for Spermatocele?

In most instances, as described before, there may not be a reason to intervene as the Spermatocele will be symptomless. But, if it gives rise to pain, over the counter analgesics can do the job in relieving the discomfort. But, if the Spermatocele continues to give problems and if it enlarges beyond its usual size, the discomfort as well as its effect over associated structures would be more and therefore would require a surgical intervention.

When performing the surgery, a surgeon would make a small incision in the scrotum under local or general anesthesia and the Spermatocele will be separated from the rest of the epididymis and would be either drained out or surgically excised. Although this procedure can be performed with minimal complications, there is a risk of damaging the sperm carrying passage which can lead to sterility or else recurrence of the same.