Re: Hydrocele of the testicle

This looks like a good reference:
http://www.swaraj.org/shikshantar/NatureCureHandbook.pdf

NATURE CURE
Hydrocele
Hydrocele is a common condition of men in which there is accumulation of fluid in the tunica
vaginalis, the sac which surrounds the testicle. It may occur at any age, but old men are usually
more prone to the condition.
The testicles are the major sex glands in the male. Each gland is composed of myriads of coiled
tubes in which the sperm cells are produced. It is the function of these cells to fertilize the ovum
during sexua| intercourse.

Symptoms
The main symptom of hydrocele is painless, smooth and elastic enlargement of the scrotum. In
some cases swelling is so much as to cause a great deal of inconvenience interfering greatly
with walking. Consequently it may produce a great deal of pressure upon the testicles and the
spermatic vessels causing a detrimental effect upon the generative system. The hydrocele is
translucent. If a bright light is placed upon it in the dark the whole swelling lights up If the
swelling become painful, it usually denotes that it has become infected.

Causes
The apparent cause of hydrocele may be a knock or a strain but toxic condition of the system is
usually at the root of the matter. This systemic toxicity results from wrong dietary habits, general
wrong living and suppressive medical treatment of former diseases. sexua| excess and abuse is
also an important factor in some ccases, through the degeneration of the sex organism which
follows. Sometimes gonorrhoel infection, obstruction of the abdominal vein, tuberculosis and
dropsy may be the cause of this condition.
Hydrocele sometimes exists at birth. In this case swelling is seen when the infant is an upright
position and disappears when the infant is laid upon its back. Hydrocele usually disappears by
itself in infants.

Treatment
Tapping is the method usually resorted to for removal of the fluid in hydrocele. This, however,
does not remove the cause of the trouble but only its effects. The correct way in which the
condition can be really dealt with successfully is through constitutional treatment. Such a
treatment should aim at removing the underlying toxicity of the system which is at the root of the
trouble.

The sufferer from hydrocele should begin with an exclusive fresh fruit diet for seven to ten days.
In this regimen, he should have three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits, such as apples, pears,
grapes, grape-fruit, oranges, pineapple, peaches, melon or any other juicy fruit in season but no
bananas or dried, stewed or tinned fruit, and no other foodstuff whatever. For drinks, lemon
water unsweetened or water either hot or cold may be taken.

During this period the bowels should be cleansed daily with a warm water enema. If constipation
is habitual, all steps should be taken for its eradication.. After all all-fruit diet the patient may
adopt the following regimen :

Breakfast : Fresh fruit as obtainable, or grated raw carrot or other raw salad-stuff, prunes or
other dried fruits, if desired, and a cup of milk.

Lunch : Steamed vegetables, as obtainable, with either a poached or scrambled egg or a
vegetarian savory. Stewed fruit or a baked apple may be taken for dessert.

Dinner : A good-sized raw salad, of any suitable vegetable as obtainable, with whole wheat
bread and butter, and prunes or other dried fruits as dessert.

Further short periods on the all-fruit diet should be undertaken at monthly intervals as required,
for two or three consecutive days each time. The diet factor is of the utmost importance and
fruits and salads must form the main basis of the future dietary . Alcohol, strong tea, coffee
condiments, pickles and sauces should be avoided. Smoking, where habitual, should be given
up.

Water Treatment
Treatment through water is extremely beneficial in curing hydrocele. Cold hip baths twice daily in
the morning and the evening, for 10 minutes each time, are specially valuable. For a cold hip
bath, an ordinary tub may be used. It should be filled with cold water. The patient should sit in
the tub, keeping the legs outside.

A hot Epsom-salts bath is also very useful in the treatment of hydrocele and should be taken
once or twice weekly, where possible. This bath is prepared as outlined in chapter 3 on
Therapeutic Baths.

Every effort should be made to build up the general health level to the highest degree. Fresh air
and outdoor exercise are essential to the success of this treatment. Sun and air bathing, where
possible, should be undertaken. All habits, and practices tending to lower the tone of the body
should be studiously avoided ; strain should be avoided as far as possible. The wearing of a
suspensory bandage is often useful.

Unless the condition persists for a long time, the foregoing treatment should soon begin to show
its beneficial effects, and the whole general health-level of the sufferer will be greatly enhanced
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