A spermatocele (also called a spermatic or epididymal cyst) is a fluid-filled sac that grows in the epididymis -- a tightly coiled tube about 20 feet long where the sperm matures as it passes through. It's in the scrotum and surrounds the back and top of the testicle. Show
Spermatoceles vary in size. They typically don’t hurt, but they could cause pain if they grow too large. Spermatoceles can be smooth. They might also be filled with a whitish, cloudy fluid. Sometimes, they hold sperm. Most of the time, they’re benign (not cancerous). Still, if you notice a growth near or in your penis or scrotum (the pouch that holds your testicles), see your doctor to have it checked. Spermatoceles don’t impact fertility. Spermatocele Causes and Risk FactorsSpermatoceles often contain pools of dead sperm. Doctors aren’t sure what causes this. Often, spermatoceles develop for no specific reason at all. Sometimes they might happen when one of the tubes that transport and store sperm gets blocked. Spermatocele risk factors Spermatoceles are actually quite common. About 3 out of 10 men will get them at some point in their lives. Men ages 20-50 are most likely to get them. They don’t have many known risk factors. Men whose mothers took the drug diethylstilbestrol in pregnancy might get them more. Doctors stopped using this drug in 1971. Spermatocele DiagnosisMost of the time, spermatoceles don’t hurt, so you may not have any symptoms. You might only feel a bump while examining your testicles. Your doctor might find it during an exam. As the cyst gets bigger, you may feel heaviness in your testicle. You might also notice a mass or swelling behind or above your testicle. Your doctor will likely do a couple of tests to make sure the growth is a spermatocele and not a tumor. They’ll probably start with a physical exam. You’ll also have a transillumination or an ultrasound. Transillumination is where your doctor shines a light through your scrotum. If the growth is a spermatocele, the light will shine through it. If it’s a mass, it won't. Ultrasound is the next step if transillumination doesn’t show fluid. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images on a screen. Most of the time, they’re not treated. Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers to make you more comfortable. Aspiration is a procedure that can help relieve some of the pain and pressure of spermatoceles. Your doctor will insert a needle into the cyst to remove some of the fluid. If the cyst refills and comes back, your doctor can do a procedure called a sclerotherapy. Your doctor will drain some of the fluid from the spermatocele. Then they’ll use a substance that causes the sac to fill with scar tissue. This tissue could lower the risk of the spermatocele coming back. But it can damage the epididymis. Your doctor may suggest this option only if you’re not interested in having children. In rare cases (if the spermatocele is getting in the way of your daily life), your doctor could remove it through surgery. Your doctor will numb the area, make a small incision (cut) in your scrotum or groin, and remove the growth. There’s no way to prevent a spermatocele. But, it’s a good idea to check your scrotum regularly to notice changes, including any masses. Follow these steps to examine your testicles: Do a self-check once a month. This way, it will be easier to notice if anything changes. If you feel a lump or anything else unusual, call your doctor. SOURCES: Cleveland Clinic: “Spermatocele.” Mayo Clinic: “Spermatocele.” Michigan Institute of Urology: “Spermatocele.” Johns Hopkins Medicine: “How to Perform a Testicular Self-Exam: Advice from Urologist Philip Pierorazio.” Spermatocele is a common growth that develops right above or behind the testicle. It is also called a testicular or epididymal cyst. Spermatoceles are benign (not cancer). Healthcare providers usually recommend treatment only when a large spermatocele hurts or bothers you. Ask your provider how cyst removal surgery could affect fertility.
OverviewWhat is a spermatocele?A spermatocele is a fluid-filled cyst (growth) located above or behind the testicle. Inside each spermatocele is a clear or cloudy fluid that may also contain sperm. Healthcare providers sometimes call these growths spermatic cysts or epididymal cysts. Spermatoceles develop along the epididymis, which is part of the male reproductive system. What is the epididymis?The epididymis is a tube that runs behind and over the top of each testicle. Its main jobs are storing and transporting sperm from the testicle. Where are spermatocele located?Spermatoceles occur near (but not directly on) the testicle. A spermatocele can develop on any part of the epididymis. Often, a spermatocele appears as a small lump right above the testicle. Less commonly, a spermatocele may develop along the lower part of the epididymis (behind the testicle). How common are spermatoceles?Spermatoceles are pretty common. They affect close to 1 in 3 adult men. Spermatoceles can affect people at any age, but they commonly appear in midlife (the 40s or 50s). Can spermatoceles turn into cancer?No. Spermatoceles are benign cysts, which means they are not cancer. There is no evidence to suggest a spermatocele could turn into cancer. Having a spermatocele does not increase your testicular cancer risk. ### Symptoms and CausesWhat causes spermatoceles?Spermatoceles happen when sperm builds up somewhere in the epididymis. Healthcare providers don’t fully understand the factors that lead to this sperm buildup. Some medical experts point to a blockage in the epididymal duct or inflammation as potential causes. In many cases, these testicular cysts seem to show up out of nowhere, with no sign of injury, infection or other obvious cause. What does a spermatocele look like?Spermatoceles vary in size. They may look like:
What does a spermatocele feel like?A smaller spermatocele usually causes few or no symptoms. It may not bother you at all. You may not even know you have one. A larger spermatocele may cause mild to moderate symptoms, such as:
Diagnosis and TestsHow are spermatoceles diagnosed?Because spermatoceles often cause no symptoms, they commonly go undiagnosed. Your provider may detect a spermatocele during a routine physical exam or a medical test for another problem. Some people find a spermatocele when doing a testicular self-exam. Will I need medical tests to confirm a spermatocele diagnosis?Your provider may use tests during or after a physical exam. These tests can reveal more about a testicular lump or rule out other testicular disorders:
Management and TreatmentHow are spermatoceles treated?Most spermatoceles remain small in size and cause few or no symptoms. If a spermatocele doesn’t bother you, you may not need treatment. In more severe cases, a spermatocele can cause long-term pain or other uncomfortable symptoms. Your provider may recommend surgery to remove the cyst. Who performs spermatocele surgery?A urologist usually performs surgery to remove a spermatocele cyst. Urologists are doctors with specialized training to treat problems affecting the male reproductive system. What should I know about spermatocele cyst removal?Spermatocelectomy is another name for spermatocele cyst removal surgery. It is an outpatient procedure. You go home after surgery instead of staying in the hospital. During a spermatocelectomy, a provider makes an incision in the scrotum or groin area. Then the provider carefully removes the spermatocele. Urologists may use local anesthesia to numb the affected area. The numbing keeps you comfortable as you lie awake for the procedure. Or they may use general anesthesia to put you to sleep so you’re safely unaware during surgery. Spermatocelectomy is generally considered a routine, safe procedure that may improve your symptoms. Can spermatoceles cause infertility?No, spermatoceles do not cause male infertility. However, certain spermatocele treatments have the potential to damage reproductive tissues. Surgery poses a small risk, as does a rarely used therapy called aspiration and sclerotherapy. Your provider can explain your treatment options, including how a therapy may affect your reproductive future. PreventionCan I prevent spermatoceles?No. Unfortunately, you can’t prevent spermatoceles from developing. But for many people affected by spermatoceles, the cysts don’t cause any problematic symptoms. Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the prognosis (outlook) for people with spermatocele?Spermatoceles are a common condition. They usually cause few or no symptoms. Many times, a spermatocele goes undiagnosed because people don’t realize it’s there. The condition doesn’t generally lead to further health problems or pose a serious threat. Larger spermatoceles may be painful or uncomfortable. In these instances, surgery to remove a spermatocele may provide relief. Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?Rarely, severe groin pain can stem from a serious medical condition, such as cancer or testicular torsion. Call your doctor or seek immediate medical attention if you have worsening testicular pain and swelling that comes on suddenly, with no obvious cause. A note from Cleveland Clinic Noticing a lump near your testicle can be unnerving. Reaching out to a provider you trust for an evaluation can offer answers and set your mind at ease. Spermatoceles are common, usually painless testicular cysts (growths) that tend to affect people in midlife. You likely won’t need treatment if a spermatocele doesn’t bother you. Medication or surgery may offer relief for larger cysts that lead to more severe symptoms. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/09/2020. References
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Do cysts go away on balls?Cysts will usually go away on their own. If the cyst is painful, applying a warm washcloth can help reduce swelling. If a cyst becomes infected, a person may need medication to treat the infection. Doctors can remove a cyst under local anesthetic.
Is it normal to have cysts on your balls?The exact cause of spermatoceles isn't clear, but they might be due to a blockage in one of the tubes that transport sperm. Spermatoceles, sometimes called spermatic cysts, are common. They typically don't reduce fertility or require treatment.
Are testicle cysts harmful?Spermatoceles are not usually dangerous and are treated only when they cause pain or embarrassment or when they decrease the blood supply to the penis (rare). Treatment is not usually needed if a spermatocele does not change in size or gets smaller as the body reabsorbs the fluid.
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I have a cyst on my balls
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