Concerns About My 18-Month-Old's Testicular Bulge: Seeking Guidance
Child’s Age: 19 months Sex: Male Height: 30 cm Weight: 24 pounds Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of Symptoms: Lifelong Location: New Orleans, LA Medical Background: Born prematurely at 29 weeks I am reaching out regarding my son, who is an adjusted 18-month-old premature infant. He has been assessed by various pediatricians and referred three times to pediatric surgery with suspicions of an inguinal hernia, starting from his time in the NICU to recent weeks. Despite the referrals, each surgeon has performed a physical examination and concluded there was no immediate concern, although the situation remains documented in his medical records. The last physician indicated she manually reduced a suspected hernia and referred us again for further evaluation. During examinations at the pediatric surgery clinic, my son appears cheerful and comfortable, but I feel like I’m losing my mind because I’ve been observing what I consider an unusual bulge during episodes of crying at home. He seems to grasp at his testicles and weeps as though experiencing discomfort. I would appreciate it if you could view the videos and provide your opinion on whether this bulge raises any alarms. I acknowledge that a hernia can manifest higher, yet the sight of this bulge still greatly troubles me. It seems like something is pushing downwards into the scrotum above the testicle. What could it be? Is this something I should be worried about? I trust the expertise of those in this community—please help me with any insights so that we can find some peace at night.
Answers (1)
9/6/2025, 12:10:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are understandably concerned about the recurring testicular bulge in your son, especially given his medical history as a premature infant. It’s important to address your worries while ensuring you have the right information.
Main Points:
A bulge in the testicular area during crying could be indicative of an inguinal hernia, but it's reassuring to know that your pediatricians and surgeons have consistently assessed him without finding immediate concerns. Since he's cheerful and comfortable during examinations, this is a positive sign.
Explanation:
Inguinal hernias occur when tissue, such as part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles in the groin area. In infants, hernias can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, especially if they only present during certain activities, such as crying. The fact that specialists have not recommended immediate intervention suggests that they believe the bulge may not pose a significant risk at this time.
However, it’s completely normal for you to feel anxious, especially when you see him uncomfortable or crying. The grasping behavior you mentioned may be a natural response from him to discomfort or curiosity about his body rather than a direct indication of pain.
Next Steps:
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Continue Monitoring: Carefully observe the bulge during episodes of crying and note any changes in size, color, or any signs of pain. Take note of if there's discomfort during his usual activities or play.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when the bulge appears, any associated activities (like crying), and his behavior (e.g., comfort level, playfulness).
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Follow-Up Appointments: Since your son has been referred multiple times, consider scheduling a follow-up with the pediatric surgeon. You can discuss your observations and any concerns you have, and inquire if further imaging (like an ultrasound) might be warranted to visualize what's occurring.
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Emergency Situations: Seek immediate care if he experiences severe pain, persistent crying that doesn’t resolve, swelling that doesn’t go down, or any signs of infection (like fever or redness).
This gradual approach allows you to maintain your child's comfort while ensuring that any potential issues are addressed in due time. You are not alone in your concern, and caring for a child with such a history can bring up many worries. Please remember that your observations and feelings are valid, and seeking more answers is a normal part of your journey as a parent.
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