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:
-
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.
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when the bulge appears, any associated activities (like crying), and his behavior (e.g., comfort level, playfulness).
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Concerned About Numbness and Tingling in My Pinky
I’m feeling really anxious about the numbness and tingling I’m experiencing in my pinky finger. This happens roughly three times every day, and during those episodes, my elbow also feels quite strange. Although I suspect it's nothing serious, I want to be cautious since only this particular finger is affected, and my posture hasn’t changed lately. Unfortunately, I can’t visit a hospital, so if anyone could reassure me that I might be overreacting, I’d really appreciate it! Here are some details: I'm a 15-year-old female, standing 5'4" tall and weighing 47 kilograms. I do not take any medications, nor do I smoke or drink, and aside from maybe eating less, my lifestyle hasn’t altered significantly. Just to update, the numbness has been occurring less frequently, but it has been replaced by a strange tingling sensation in my pinky and the corresponding side of my palm. I'm uncertain about how to alleviate this discomfort. Regrettably, visiting the hospital is not a viable option for me. I realize seeking medical advice is the wisest choice, but I know my mother won't be able to take me. I can't tell if my situation is worsening or if it's unrelated. I searched the internet but couldn’t find relevant information about what I’m experiencing. If anyone has insights about whether this might lead to long-term issues or if it will eventually resolve, I would be grateful for your input. It's a bit embarrassing, but I’m genuinely worried. Additionally, if there are specific actions I could take—like drinking more water or eating healthier—to help this issue dissipate, I’d really value your suggestions. I absolutely want to get rid of this as quickly as possible. Thank you for your help!
Lip Bump Inquiry
Subject Profile: 20-29-year-old Caucasian female residing in the USA, weighing 128 pounds, prescribed Adderall XR 20 mg, with no known allergies or previous sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases (STDs). She does not use marijuana or other recreational substances and occasionally consumes alcohol in social settings. This morning, I noticed a small bump on the soft part of my lip, roughly the size of a pinhead (it is not located on the vermillion border). The bump lacks a definitive white head but appears somewhat lighter in the center. My body has felt unusually "sensitive" over the past week, yet I haven’t experienced any tingling or burning sensations leading up to the appearance of this bump. While I understand this platform is not a substitute for professional medical advice, I am seeking your insights. My past history does not include HSV1 or HSV2. I was tested at my doctor’s office on Wednesday, which included screenings for all STIs and STDs, and received a call this morning confirming that all results were negative. Still, this bump on my lip is causing me to question the reliability of those test results. The motivation for my testing stemmed from a recent relationship, as I aimed to be conscientious about my sexual health. My new partner assured me he has undergone testing and has no history of STIs or STDs. Could it be possible to test negative for HSV1/HSV2 if the outbreak has just begun?
Experiencing Increased Vaginal Discharge
I’m an 18-year-old female weighing 116 pounds. Recently, I've noticed a notably high volume of clear, watery vaginal discharge that started after I caught the flu about five days ago. I have no past experience with sexual intercourse. Initially, I didn't pay much attention to it, but today the amount of clear discharge has been quite significant, much more than what I'm accustomed to. This change is quite unusual for me, and I'm uncertain what it could signify.
The Homelessness Issue in Canada
Hello, I made the decision to leave my family behind and embrace life on the streets in July. However, I realized I had forgotten something crucial and returned home to get it. Unfortunately, during my return, my family intervened and had the police brought in because of my past mental health issues, mistaking my rational decision-making for a mental health concern. The first physician I encountered deemed me stable, and I was due to return home in two weeks. During my hospital stay, I declined the medication he prescribed, which led to my transfer for a second assessment. The new doctor felt compelled to take action, leading to a formal decision regarding my care. It felt as though my ability to make medical choices was stripped away due to perceived incompetence in treatment. At this point, I have decided once again to cut ties with my family, choosing instead to experience life on the streets and explore different parts of the country, not wanting to settle in one place for too long. This is the lifestyle I aspire to lead, and I am fully committed to it. My question is: will the hospital in Ontario allow me to leave if I choose to live outside? Or will the doctors' assessment of my condition override my right to make that choice? Thank you for your assistance.
Discoloration of the Penis Glans
For the past two and a half months, I have been using a pumping device daily, dedicating 15 minutes for three intervals with pressures ranging from 5 to 8 inches of mercury. Recently, I've noticed that my flaccid glans appears to have lost some color, becoming rather pale with a brownish tint developing on the sides. However, when I achieve an erection, the color returns to a healthy pink. There are some concerns circulating that this discoloration could indicate tissue death or the initial phases of necrosis, which has left me feeling quite anxious. I would appreciate any insights from those experienced in this matter—it's quite distressing for me. My physician has reassured me that it is neither gangrene nor necrosis, but I’m still puzzled about why the glans is turning brown. What steps can I take from here?