How to treat left testicle hydrocele that has been increasing for 6 years? - #56310

A long-standing hydrocele of 6 years with gradual increase is usually considered a “Shotha” (fluid accumulation due to Vata–Kapha imbalance in Mutravaha srotas) in Ayurveda. Since you are 63 and otherwise healthy, the goal is to slow progression, reduce discomfort, and support fluid absorption naturally—but also understand that long-standing hydrocele often becomes structurally persistent. Ayurvedic Management Approach (Gentle + Effective) Since Punarnava is already helping you, it is a strong positive sign—keep it as a base medicine. 1. Core Ayurvedic Medicines Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) Continue regularly – best natural shothahara (anti-swelling) herb. Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) Very important for scrotal and urinary tract swellings; helps reduce fluid collection. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) Supports urinary system, reduces heaviness and congestion in scrotal area. Chandraprabha Vati Classical formulation for chronic urinary + swelling conditions. Kanchanar Guggulu (if swelling is fibrotic/chronic) Helps resolve long-standing abnormal swellings. 2. External Support Therapy Warm sesame oil gentle massage around groin (not direct force on scrotum) Helps Vata calming and improves local circulation. Scrotal support (comfortable underwear or suspensory support) Reduces pulling sensation and discomfort. Warm sitz bath (occasionally) Mild, soothing effect on local stagnation. 3. Diet & Lifestyle (Very Important) Prefer: light, warm, easy-to-digest food Reduce: excess salt, curd at night, heavy fried foods, processed food Avoid: long sitting, heavy lifting, constipation (very important trigger in hydrocele progression) Drink warm water through the day

••In Ayurveda, a hydrocele is classified under Vriddhi Roga, specifically correlating with Mutravridhi (fluid-induced enlargement of the scrotum). It is primarily caused by an imbalance of Vata Dosha combined with Kapha Dosha, which leads to Srotorodha (obstruction in the channels) and fluid accumulation in the Mushkha Phalakosha (scrotal sac).
••Your observation is clinically accurate: Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is renowned for its Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Mutrala (diuretic) properties, which is why it temporarily reduces your pain and fluid tension. However, because this condition has been present for over 6 years and is slowly increasing, a single herb is not enough to clear the chronic obstruction. ••To treat a chronic condition like this, a combination of Vata-Kapha pacifying, fluid-draining, and scraping (Lekhana) medicines is traditionally utilized: ••Kanchanar Guggulu: This is highly effective for reducing growths, glandular swellings, and fluid accumulation. It exerts a Lekhana (scraping) action to help reduce the thick layers of the sac.
•Typical Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day after meals with warm water. ••Punarnavasava / Punarnavadi Kwath: Since Punarnava suits you, this liquid ferment or decoction delivers a stronger, more synergistic diuretic effect to help drain the localized fluid collection. •Typical Dosage: 15–20 ml with an equal quantity of lukewarm water, twice a day after meals. •Varunadi Kwath: Excellent for clearing deep-seated channel obstructions (Srotoshodhana) and managing chronic swellings. •Typical Dosage: 15 ml with warm water on an empty stomach in the morning. 2. External Therapies (Lepa) Since internal medicine must travel through the entire metabolic system, combining it with local external applications helps deliver direct relief to the scrotum. ••Dashanga Lepa / Vridhddaman Lepa: A classic herbal paste application. The powder is mixed with a little warm water or Eranda Taila (castor oil) to form a paste, applied gently over the affected side of the scrotum, and left on for 1 to 2 hours before washing off with warm water. This stimulates local circulation and fluid absorption.
3. Crucial Lifestyle Measures ••Scrotal Support: This is mandatory. Always wear a supportive scrotal suspender or tight, supportive underwear. This prevents the spermatic cord from pulling down under the weight of the fluid, which is the primary cause of your dull aching pain. ••Avoid Straining: Avoid heavy lifting, straining during bowel movements (manage constipation proactively), and long hours of continuous standing, as these increase intra-abdominal pressure and worsen the swelling.
••Important Clinical Note & Age Considerations While Ayurvedic medicines are highly supportive, you must keep a close eye on a swelling that has been growing slowly for over 6 years. ••Get an Ultrasound (USG Scrotum): Before starting any advanced medical course, it is essential to get a fresh ultrasound of the scrotum. At age 63, we must definitively rule out any secondary causes, chronic infection, or changes in the underlying testicle itself. ••The Reality of Chronic Hydroceles: When a hydrocele is more than 6 years old, the surrounding sac (tunica vaginalis) often becomes thick and fibrotic. While medicines can drastically reduce pain, heaviness, and mild fluid fluctuations, complete absorption of a large, long-standing chronic hydrocele through oral medicine alone can be challenging. If the fluid volume is very high, a minor, safe surgical procedure (Eversion of the Sac) is the definitive cure. Your eye cataract or absence of BP/diabetes will not stand in the way of such a minor procedure if it ever becomes necessary.