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Doctors refer to these sacs or cysts as spermatoceles. These benign growths often have unknown causes and do not cause any symptoms. If a spermatocele does not cause symptoms or grow large enough for the person to discover it during a self-exam, they may never seek a diagnosis. This article explains what spermatoceles are, the possible symptoms, and how doctors diagnose and treat them. What is a spermatocele Share on Pinterestmikroman6/Getty ImagesA spermatocele is a small, fluid filled sac that develops on the epididymis. The epididymis is a small, coil-like tube that transports sperm from the testicles to the penis. Spermatoceles are typically painless and benign, meaning that they are not cancerous. A white fluid usually fills them, and they may also contain sperm. Spermatoceles can vary in size. Although these growths are not harmful, a person may wish to seek treatment if a spermatocele grows too large or causes pain. Spermatoceles are fairly common, and estimates suggest that they may occur in nearly 1 in 3 people with testicles. However, few people with a spermatocele seek a medical examination. The reasons for this include a lack of awareness of the growths and the fact that they are benign. Symptoms Often, people do not experience any symptoms when they have a spermatocele. However, people can check for the following when examining their testicles. Sensations For most people, spermatoceles are smooth, hard, painless lumps that do not cause any noticeable symptoms. They may remain stable in size and asymptomatic. In others, however, the cyst can grow in size. As the cyst grows, a person may notice issues such as:a heavy feeling testiclea feeling of fullness above or behind the testiclediscomfort or pain in the affected testicle A person may also notice or feel the lump when examining their testicles. They may feel pressure at the base of the penis. Appearance Spermatoceles are clear, fluid filled sacs or cysts that sit above and behind the testicle. As they reside inside the skin of the scrotum, it is not possible to see them during a visual exam without the aid of specialized diagnostic equipment. However, if a spermatocele has become particularly large, it may lead to swelling. A person may notice that the affected testicle appears larger than the other one. Causes The exact cause of spermatoceles remains unknown. One theory is that they may result from a blockage of the epididymis. However, they are benign masses. They also have no link to testicular cancer and do not interfere with fertility. Diagnosis A person may feel the lump when performing a self-exam. According to an older study from 2009, people with testicles often do not seek a diagnosis or treatment right away, even when they discover a lump. The authors note that the average size of the spermatoceles that doctors examine is similar to that of a testicle. A person will usually need to see a urologist for a diagnosis. A urologist may test the cyst using a bright light, which will shine through a noncancerous cyst because, unlike a tumor, it is not a solid mass. They might also use ultrasound, a type of scan that uses sound waves that bounce off tissues to detect abnormalities. Treatment Many people with spermatoceles will not need treatment. People who seek treatment often have larger or painful growths. The treatment options can include:spermatocelectomy, which is an outpatient surgical procedure that removes the cyst oral pain relief and inflammation medicationsaspiration, which is an uncommon procedure that punctures the cyst and draws out the fluid with a needlesclerotherapy, in which a doctor injects an irritant into the cyst to cause scarring and reduce its chances of growing again Outlook It can take about 1–2 weeks to recover from surgery. A doctor may recommend pain medication for 1–2 days following the procedure. During recovery, a person will likely need to wear a supportive strap. They will typically notice scrotal swelling. A doctor will want to schedule a follow-up appointment within 3 weeks of the procedure. A person should ask the doctor about their recommendations for post-procedure care. Summary A spermatocele is a fluid filled sac or cyst that develops on the tubing connecting the testicle to the rest of the reproductive system. It is noncancerous and filled with a white fluid. Most cases are not painful and will not require treatment. People usually only seek treatment if they experience pain or the size of the growth makes it uncomfortable. Treatment is generally minimally invasive, and a person can expect to make a full recovery within a few weeks. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2022Men's Health 5 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Epididymal cyst and spermatocele. (2011). https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/epididymal-cyst-and-spermatoceleSpermatocele. (n.d.).https://www.sparrow.org/departments-conditions/conditions/spermatoceleWalsh, T. J., et al. (2009). Spermatoceles in adults: When does size matter? [Abstract]. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01485010701730690?journalCode=iaan19What are spermatoceles (spermatic cysts)? (n.d.).https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/s/spermatocelesYeh, H.-C., et al. (2007). Giant spermatocele mimicking hydrocele: A case report.https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/82062724.pdfFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Matt Coward, MD, FACS — By Jenna Fletcher on June 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about a cyst on the scrotumMedically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, MD What type of cysts may develop on the scrotum? Read more to learn about scrotal cysts, such as their potential symptoms, how to diagnose, and…READ MOREIs blue balls a real condition?Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, MD 'Blue balls' is the informal term for epididymal hypertension, which causes uncomfortable or aching testicles. 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