Hydrocele experiences?

[JJSwansea]

We are currently going through ICSI treatment. A few years ago my husband was diagnosed with a hydrocele and a ‘bulking head of the tube carrying sperms’ after finding a lump, blood in his semen and pain. There was reference to an infection at some stage but we were never told what the infection was, he was just given some antibiotics I think. He had an ultrasound scan in July 2017. The Urologist discharged him saying he was reassured but noted at that stage that we had been trying for a baby for 1.5 years and told the GP that he would be contacting him about fertility investigations. He didn’t say if the hydrocele would be affecting fertility or not but anyone we have told didn’t seem bothered by it so I tried to put it to the back of my mind. I believe that generally they don’t affect fertility but since then we’ve discovered he had low count (2million) and low motility (some tests had no motile sperm but highest has been 25%) then were eventually referred for ICSI.

It’s been playing on my mind recently whether anything more could have been done especially as my husband was once seemingly pretty fertile as he has a 15 year old child conceived from a 1 night stand when he was 21. He does still get pain but not as bad as before and the swelling is still there but hasn’t grown any bigger.

I have sought some advice from a couple of sources. One said we could consider surgery but we could pay all that money and it may not make a difference to his sperm. Another said the hydrocele is probably the cause of his sperm issues and he should be seen again if it’s been there for more than 6 months as it could turn into a hernia. But the original Urologist never said to refer back if it didn’t go away in 6 months. He’d already had it for more than 6 months by the time he had his appointment.

Has anyone had experience with hydroceles and/or the surgery to remove? Did it make a difference to sperm count? If it was done privately how much did it cost? Thanks in advance

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi JJSwansea. I assume that as you are going through ICSI there is a problem with your husband's semen analysis? Perhaps he could have the surgery to drain the hudrocele, but it wouldn't be a guarantee to correct this. His child was born a long time ago now, so he probably was OK then. My thoughts are, that if he hasn't got any discomfort then perhaps leave it alone. Should it become painful, then see someone about draining it. Fingers crossed all goes well with the ICSI. Thinking of you. Diane

[JJSwansea]

Thank you for your response. Yes he has low count and motility. The last analysis was 2 million count and 25% motility although his motility has ranged from zero to 25%. I guess we may never know why his sperm has deteriorated but I suppose it’s a source of frustration to me because it happened so easily for him before, albeit a long time ago. He still has some discomfort but not all the time and it’s not pain as such. It’s difficult to know what to do. Maybe I’ll suggest he goes back to GP if our FETs don’t work