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Overview
Common in babies.
Hernias can look similar.
When to get medical care
Call 911Sudden severe pain.
Get care todayPain or redness.
See a doctor soonPainless swelling.
Causes
Causes include hydrocele and hernia.
OwieClear has pages on 3 conditions that can cause painless swelling of the scrotum. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- HydroceleSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
Fluid around a testicle that makes the scrotum swell.
Less likely causes
- Testicular cancerSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
Cancer of a testicle, the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 35.
- SeminomaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
One of the two main types of testicular cancer, usually in men ages 25 to 45.
What you can do at home
- Supportive underwear.
Medicines
Surgery if large.
At the doctor
Ultrasound checks.
Questions you may be asked
- Duration
The exam
A scrotal exam.
Tests
- Ultrasound
Prevention
Get checked.
- Self-checks
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.