Hydrocele refers to swelling in the scrotum that holds the testicles. It arises from collection of excessive fluid in the sheath (tunica vaginalis) surrounding a testicle. Hydrocele can be congenital i.e. a child may be born with hydrocele or it may develop later in life. The causes of hydrocele developing late in life are inflammation or injury within the scrotum. Homeopathic medicines for hydrocele, if started well in time, can save a person from surgery and its related side-effects.
Homeopathic Treatment
Hydrocele, which is considered a surgical condition in the conventional mode of treatment, can be treated effectively with homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines for hydrocele are of natural origin, making them safe for use on children as well as adults. They do not carry any toxic side effects. Homeopathic medicines help reduce swelling in the scrotum as well as any associated symptoms such as pain or dragging sensation.
Homeopathic Medicines for Hydrocele
The top recommended homeopathic medicines for hydrocele include Rhododendron, Clematis, Arnica, Apis Mellifica, Abrotanum and Digitalis.
1. Rhododendron – Top Grade Medicine For Hydrocele
Rhododendron is a natural medicine prepared from fresh leaves of plant ‘yellow snow rose’. It has shown great clinical improvements in cases of hydrocele. This medicine brings natural recovery, it works well in almost all cases of hydrocele, especially if arising from orchitis or epididymitis. In cases needing it, there is marked swelling of scrotum. It may be hard and painful to touch. Though rhododendron can be helpful for hydrocele on either side but is more prominently indicated for cases of left-sided hydrocele.
When and How to use Rhododendron?
Rhododendron is the most widely used medicine for hydrocele. It can be used as a first line of treatment in hydrocele. Though it can be used in and high potencies, it is usually preferred in 30C potency. Rhododendron 30C can be taken twice a day, once in morning and once in evening.
2. Clematis – For Right Sided Hydrocele
Clematis is the next well-indicated medicine for hydrocele. It is also a natural remedy prepared from leaves and stems of plant ‘virgin’s bower’. It is a highly suitable medicine for cases of right-sided hydrocele. Those needing it have a drawing pain in testicle. The scrotum is swollen. At times the testicle may be painful to touch. It is also very helpful for cases of hydrocele arising from orchitis.
When and How to use Clematis?
This medicine can be used in cases of right-sided hydrocele that may be painful. This medicine is mainly recommended in 30C potency. Clematis 30C can be taken twice a day.
3. Arnica – For Hydrocele After An Injury
Sourced from a plant ‘leopard’s bane’, Arnica is a herbal medicine of great importance in treating hydrocele that follows an injury. It gives promising results in hydrocele cases occurring after an injury. In cases needing it there is swelling of scrotum attended with sore, bruised pain. This medicine along with healing injury helps to reduce swelling of scrotum and manages any associated pain.
When and How to use Arnica?
Arnica should be considered as the first choice of medicine for cases of hydrocele that occurs after an injury. Arnica 30 C can be taken two times a day for good results.
4. Apis Mellifica – For Hydrocele With marked Swelling
Apis Mellifica is the next most effective medicine for managing hydrocele. It is beneficial when there is excessive swelling of scrotum. This medicine helps to absorb fluid that is collected around the testicle. Inflammation of testicles may be present in cases needing it along with stinging pain.
When and How to use Apis Mellifica?
This medicine can be used in cases where there is intense swelling of scrotum. It will aid fluid absorption and bring great relief. Its use is preferred in 30C potency. Apis Mellifica can be taken twice a day in 30C potency.
5. Abrotanum – For Congenital Hydrocele
Abrotanum is the most wonderful medicine for hydrocele where the condition is present from birth. It is of natural origin prepared from leaves and stem of plant ‘southernwood’ and entirely safe for use among children.
When and How to use Abrotanum?
Its use is particularly considered in newborn boys having hydrocele. It is advised to consult a homeopathic physician before using this medicine for the correct potency and repetition that varies from case to case.
6. Digitalis – For Left Sided Hydrocele
Digitalis is also a natural remedy of plant origin for treating hydrocele. It is prepared from leaves of plant named ‘foxglove’ and is very helpful for left-sided hydrocele with marked swelling of scrotum. The scrotum seems like a bladder filled with water. Bruised pain may accompany the condition in such cases which will respond well to Digitalis.
When and How to use Digitalis?
Digitalis is well-indicated for left-sided hydrocele. Digitalis 30C twice a day is an ideal dose to start with.
Note Any of the above homeopathic medicines can be taken for about one month. If no relief sets in, kindly consult a homeopathic physician for further case evaluation and change in prescription.
Causes of Hydrocele
Though hydrocele can occur at any age but is most common in newborns and in males over 40 yrs of age.
A). In Infants (Babies Less Than One Year Age)
During development of male baby, the testicles descend from their abdominal cavity into the scrotum shortly before birth. There is a natural sac (containing fluid) surrounding the testicles. This sac closes and fluid absorption occurs during first year of baby. But if this sac does not close, it results in hydrocele results which is termed communicating hydrocele. If the sac closes but some fluid remains behind around the testicle, it is termed non-communicating hydrocele.
B). In adults
Hydrocele may occur when the sac (tunica vaginalis) produces excessive fluid or when the fluid is not properly absorbed, it results in build-up of fluid around testicle. Hydrocele may arise from:
1.Injury or inflammation of scrotum
2. Infection/inflammation of testicles (orchitis) or epididymis(epididymitis)
3. Sexually transmitted infections
4. Inguinal hernia, which is rare
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Hydrocele?
In most cases swelling in the scrotum is the only sign. It may be on one side or both sides. The swelling may be less in the morning and more in the evening.
Other than this, it may cause discomfort, dragging sensation in the scrotum along with heaviness. In some cases, pain, redness of scrotum may also be present.
If there occurs sudden intense pain in the scrotum or swelling mainly after scrotal injury, immediate medical help should be taken. This could be due to blocked blood flow from twisted testicle (testicular torsion) that needs urgent treatment to prevent permanent damage to testicle.
