An epididymal cyst is a fluid-filled growth that develops in the epididymis of a man’s testicle. An epididymis is a coil-shaped tube on the back of the testicle responsible for storing and transporting sperm. An epididymal cyst may result in a lump appearing on your scrotum, but it doesn’t usually cause pain or other issues.

The epididymal cyst is not a severe health complication and is not usually linked to one. However, you may still want to have such a tissue growth examined in a clinical setting to rule out a serious health risk.

Table of Contents

1 What are the Symptoms of an Epididymal Cyst?
2 How is an Epididymal Cyst Diagnosed?
3 Treatment Options for Epididymal Cyst?
4 Is it safe to remove the epididymal cyst?
5 How long does it take to recover from epididymal cyst surgery?
6 How painful is testicular cyst removal?
7 Do epididymal cysts come back after surgery?
8 Can epididymal cysts cause ED?
9 Book a consultation

What are the Symptoms of an Epididymal Cyst?

Epididymal cysts often remain asymptomatic. However, in some cases, you may notice the following:

A mass or lump on one of the testicles
An overall enlarged scrotum
Redness, pain, or swelling of the scrotum
An increased sensation of pressure at the base of the penis

How is an Epididymal Cyst Diagnosed?

A testicular self-exam will help you notice any lump under the scrotal skin. Once a growth or lump is located under the scrotal skin, you can visit a urologist who will perform a physical exam and some tests. These tests help determine if the lump on the testicle is an epididymal cyst or a tumor.

The doctor may perform the following tests in this regard:

Transillumination: The doctor will shine a light across your scrotum during this test. The purpose is to see whether the abnormal growth is a fluid-filled cyst or a tumor.
Ultrasound: Ultrasound is viable for checking for any buildup inside the scrotum. This test provides a more detailed image of the testes and epididymis, helping the doctor diagnose the issue accurately.

Treatment Options for Epididymal Cyst?

Epididymal cysts do not usually cause pain and are not a cause of concern. However, some men are bothered by the discomfort originating from large-sized cysts. The following treatments can effectively remove epididymal cysts that are no longer harmless.

Aspiration

This procedure involves puncturing the cyst using a needle and drawing its fluid out.

Sclerotherapy

This procedure involves injecting a fluid – usually ethanol – that helps eliminate cells in the cyst. The doctor may ask you to change positions to ensure that the injected agent hits all areas of the cyst. Then after about 20 minutes, the doctor will draw the fluid out through aspiration.

Epididymal cystectomy

Epididymal cystectomy or epididymal cyst excision is the surgical option to remove the cyst and is generally performed under general anesthesia.

The surgeon will make an incision in the scrotum to access your epididymis.
Next, they will remove the epididymal cyst. The epididymis continues to receive blood supply during this process.
Once the cyst has been removed, the surgeon sutures the incision with dissolvable stitches.

Since epididymal cystectomy is a surgical procedure, expect some swelling and bruising in the treated region for a few days. Your healthcare provider will most likely prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of bacterial infections.

Is it safe to remove the epididymal cyst?

Yes, surgically removing the epididymal cyst is generally considered a safe procedure. According to research, epididymal cystectomy doesn’t affect sperm count and motility and is safe for young men with fertility requirements.

How long does it take to recover from epididymal cyst surgery?

It generally takes 10-14 days to recover from epididymal cyst surgery. During this time, it is best to avoid strenuous physical movements and sexual intercourse.

How painful is testicular cyst removal?

Epididymal cyst removal may cause pain and discomfort, which can be reduced with OTC medications like ibuprofen and wearing supporting garments. The doctor may prescribe painkillers to deal with this pain.

Do epididymal cysts come back after surgery?

There is a possibility of epididymal cysts returning after surgery, but this recurrence risk is not relatively higher than in other treatments.

Can epididymal cysts cause ED?

No, these cysts do not interfere with a man’s ability to attain and maintain an erection.

Book a consultation

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