09/07/2010 (5:48 pm)
Medical: Hydrocele treatment: alternative therapy Best answer on the web
ultrasound). No pain, but becoming a "baggy trouser issue". Whilst the
operation seems to be pretty straightforward (I think, I hope!!), I'd
like to avoid any invasive treatment if possible. Are there any
alternative treatments and what is their effectiveness? Homeopathy,
naturopathy, acupuncture, Qi-Gong, herbalism, any others?
Finding reliable information about alternative and complementary medicine on the internet can be quite challenging at times. Unlike traditional medicine, there are relatively few well-constructed studies available on alternative treatments, so evaluating true ?effectiveness? is nearly impossible. What is available is a plethora of claims and testimonials about various treatments and their ability to treat selected conditions. I have tried to give you good, solid sources so you can look into what seem to be the most credible claims. This answer is not intended to substitute for the opinion of a qualified health professional that you trust. If you have any specific concerns or questions you should discuss them with him or her. With that said, here is what I found.
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ASPIRATION
You?ve mentioned wanting to avoid surgery, but there are some physicians that will aspirate a hydrocele (remove the fluid with a needle and syringe). This is not the first treatment of choice, and it may still qualify as ?invasive,? but I thought I?d mention it just in case.
?Hydrocele aspiration
* Aspiration of a hydrocele reveals a clear amber fluid.
* Aspiration is not therapeutic because the fluid generally reaccumulates quickly.
* Aspiration of hydroceles is not recommended because it is associated with a high rate of immediate recurrence and with a risk of introducing an infection. If an associated hernia is present, risk of perforating a loop of bowel also exists.? http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic256.htm
?One option is to remove the fluid in the scrotum with a needle (a process called aspiration). However, aspiration can cause infection, and it is common for the fluid to re-accumulate. Therefore, aspiration is not routine and surgery is generally preferred. On the other hand, aspiration may be the best alternative for people who have certain surgical risks.
Injection of sclerosing (thickening or hardening) medications may be performed after needle aspiration to close off the opening through the scrotal sac. This helps prevent re-accumulation of fluid. The medications include tetracycline, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, or urea. Possible complications after aspiration and sclerosing include infection, fibrosis, mild to moderate pain in the scrotal area, and recurrence of the hydrocele.? http://health.allrefer.com/health/hydrocele-treatment.html
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YOGA
Yoga, of all the things I?ve read, is by far the simplest and cheapest. It carries little to no risk as far as side effects are concerned, calls for no special equipment, and requires very little instruction.
Vajrasana, or the Thunderbolt pose as taught on the following website, is one that benefits many ailments that originate or involve the pelvic area. Be sure to use Variation II when practicing this pose for full therapeutic effect. Testicular swelling and hydrocele are two conditions treated in this way. There is a nice illustration to help you do this pose properly. http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/yoga/asanas/thunderbolt2_pose.asp
Here is another site with a description of Vajrasana and its potential benefits. It also has an illustration of the pose.
?If done regularly, Vajrasana improves digestive efficiency, prevents hernia and relieves piles, hyperacidity and peptic ulcers. It reduces blood flow to the genitals and is useful for treatment of hydrocele and menstrual disorders. It assists women in labour. It is a very popular meditative posture and is a central practice for Muslims and Zen Buddhists. It is an excellent substitute for those who find it difficult to sit in cross-legged meditative postures like Padmasana or Siddhasana.? http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050822/asp/atleisure/story_5137532.asp
The Dharma Yoga Center?s website has descriptions of many yoga poses. The Garudasana (Eagle Pose) is one that they say will cure many ailments, including hydrocele. A description of the pose is on their website.
?The nerves and bones are strengthened. The hands and legs are lengthened. A man may grow tall by the practice of this Asana. The nerves of the kidneys also are strengthened. Sciatica, rheumatism of the legs and hands are cured. The bones of the vertebral column get developed and strengthened. Hydrocele and swelling of the testicles are cured. The muscles of the calves get developed. The nerves of the legs and hands are strengthened.? http://www.dharmayogacenter.com/asanas/asana-mukhya-5.htm
This next article from Newindpress.com has a description of a yoga pose that can be useful in treating a number of issues, including a hydrocele. The article is only available on the cached site currently. http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache:gOx1Juq5QGEJ:www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp%3FID%3DIE320060801071308%26Page%3D3%26Title%3DFeatures%2B-%2BHealth%2B%2526%2BScience%26Topic%3D168%26+hydrocele+yoga&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=2
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HERBAL MEDICINE
One Chinese herbal combination is called Yin Chen Wu Ling San. It is also known as Artemisia Yinchenhao and Five Ingredient Powder with Poria or Capillaris and Hoelen Formula. According to Acupuncture.com it ?promotes urination, drains dampness, strengthens SP, warms yang, promotes the transforming functions of Qi, clears damp-heat and treats jaundice.? Hydrocele is one of the conditions it specifically mentions as being treated by this combination. http://acupuncture.com/education/zf.formulas/yinchenwuling.htm
Another herbal remedy that claims to be effective is a mullein-lobelia combination.
?Men have "special" glandular problems, also, for example, injured testicles, or those that have not completely descended, etc. One problem that is an unsavory one is hydrocele. Hydrocele is an accumulation of fluid in the sac of the tunica vaginalis of the testis. In adults, the cause is unknown and the fluid is clear, slightly viscid, and contains 6-10% of solids, including proteins, salts and sometimes cholesterol. We have seen hydroceles cleared by using the mullein-lobelia combination as a fomentation over the penis and testicle area six nights a week until the healing comes. The tea, or capsules, or tablets, are also used as an oral aid: a cup of the tea or two or three capsules or tablets three times a day. This formula is excellent, not only in aiding the healing in a glandular area, but also to counterattack infection in the glandular system.?
These mentioned products are, of course, available for purchase on this site.
http://www.shoppure.com/nl_infection.html
A product that I found on a number of websites is a Chinese herbal combination called SHY. It claims to bring about excellent results in the treatment of a hydrocele.
?The first reason is due to its excellent efficacy that has been evaluated. During observations on 50 patients with noncommunicating hydrocele, receiving treatment with this herbal combination, 46 cases were judged as healing (full recovery and symptom free), 2 cases other significant improvement. Physicians judged the clinical efficacy to be good or excellent in 96.0%. During other observations on 39 patients with communicating (congenital) hydrocele, receiving treatment with this herbal combination, all 39 cases were judged as healing (full recovery and symptom free). Physicians judged the clinical efficacy to be excellent in 100%.?
There are pictures of the 9 herbs included in the formula, with their scientific names. Here are the herbs it contains:
* Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii
* Ramulus Cinnamomi
* Radix Angelicae Pubescentis
* Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae
* Fructus Viticis
* Caulis Spatholobi
* Radix Ledebouriellae
* Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae
* Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
http://www.hnmrc.net/pd-1850290674.html?categoryId=36&gclid=CMGxqaOyxoYCFSYyOAodBDYkeg
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HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy works on the principles that ?like cures like? and that the more diluted a medicinal, the more potent it becomes. So substances that would cause certain symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals will actually treat those same symptoms in ill persons. In an article written in 1919, Thuja (Thuja occidentalis) was considered an excellent treatment for hydrocele. The described treatment involves aspiration initially, so is probably not a treatment you can do yourself.
?Professor A. J. Howe cured hydrocele almost exclusively with this agent . The following is the course he adopted as described in his own words: ?In an ounce of warm sterilized water pour a dram of Lloyd's Thuja. Mix thoroughly by drawing a quantity into the syringe, and forcing it back repeatedly for a few times, then draw up about two drams of the dilute mixture in the barrel of the syringe to be ready for use. Introduce a large exploring needle into the sac of the tunica vaginalis testis and allow the fluid to escape. Before withdrawing the needle, place the nozzle of the loaded syringe into the needle's open mouth and with a plunge of the piston force the diluted Thuja into the cavity recently distended with serum. Then in order to cause the liquid to enter every crevice of the sac of the hydrocele, pinch and knead the scrotum with the fingers quite vigorously. The needle is then withdrawn. The pain induced is quite considerable for at least half an hour, then the patient goes about his business and usually no additional treatment is required.? The above method, with some unimportant variations, has been in general use among our physicians since suggested by Professor Howe, and the result as reported by very many has been satisfactory.? http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/ellingwood/thuja.html
One of the buttercup species, Rununculus bulbosus (also known as Acrid Crowfoot, Bulbous Buttercup, Cuckoo Buds, Crowfoot, Frogwort, King's Cup, Meadowbloom, Pilewort, St. Anthony's Turnip) is used topically to treat a hydrocele. It is available as a tincture for external application. http://earthnotes.tripod.com/buttercup.htm
Sanukehl Myc 5X, a diluted extract from a bacteria called Mycobacterium bovis is used by homeopaths to treat a hydrocele. It is usually used as an injection so again, a qualified practitioner would most likely need to administer it.
?Sanukehl Myc contains specific extract polysaccharide components (Haptens) of Mycobacterium bovis. . . . The effect is based on the absorption of the bacterial antigens and their toxins. . . . By the application of Sanukehls, a specific microbiological sanitation of the terrain is possible.? http://www.sanum.com/materiamedica/index.htm
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DIET
I found one reference to a fresh fruit diet on one natural remedies website.
?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.?
The site goes on to describe what should be done after this initial diet.
?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.?
It also describes a ?water treatment? consisting of frequent ?cold hip baths? to reduce swelling and improve overall health. http://www.natural-advice.com/hydrocele.htm
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MAGNETIC THERAPY/ENERGY HEALING
In a book entitled ?Conquering Pain: The Art of Healing With BioMagnetism,? author Peter Kulish gives an overview of conditions that can be treated by using magnets and energy healing. One of the many conditions mentioned is hydrocele. http://www.stopcancer.com/magnetdirections2.htm
This book is available through sellers on Amazon Marketplace.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0966626001/ref=olp_product_details/103-8810969-6283029?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=283155
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AYURVEDIC HERBS
Ayurvedic medicine has its roots in India and has become increasingly popular in the U.S. and abroad. There are some herbs used especially in this healing tradition that can be used to treat hydrocele.
Aloe vera is one such herb claimed to be effective in the treatment of hydrocele.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_herbs_and_minerals_in_Ayurveda
?Both Haldi (Turmeric) and Kali Haldi (Black Zeodary) are used by the traditional healers in treatment of hydrocele (A pathological accumulation of serous fluid in a bodily cavity, especially in the scrotal pouch). Both are used externally.? http://www.rootsherbal.com/PageIngr_right.html
Pankaj Oudhia, an Indian Agricultural Scientist has an article about treating a hydrocele with Ayurvedic herbs. This next excerpt explains a herbal combination currently used to treat hydrocele. The article also describes some other treatments that have been used historically in India, but they are not used now because some of the herbs are not available.
?I have written a lot on medicinal uses of Triphala in treatment of many common diseases. The reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India are also full of information regarding medicinal uses and properties of Triphala. But through the interactions with the traditional healers of Gandai region, I got information on use of Triphala internally in treatment of Hydrocele. In general, in Triphala, all ingredients are mixed in equal proportion but the traditional healers add Harra, Bahera and Aonla in 3:2:1 proportion. This is new combination of Triphala. According to them, through this combination, Hydrocele can be managed effectively.? http://botanical.com/site/column_poudhia/publish/journal.cgi?folder=journal&next=20
The Aamla fruit is considered the most ideal fruit in Indian healing systems. It is the richest natural source of Vitamin C and is used to cure a wide variety of ailments. It is also a component of Triphala, a commonly used medicinal. Hydrocele is one condition that can be helped by Aamla.
?This fruit has also ample amount of proteins, fats, mineral salts, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus and iron. It is not these ingredients? individual effect but their collective effect that makes Aamla what it is. It is the richest natural source of vitamin ?C.? The amount of vitamin ?C? in Aamla is four times more than it is in oranges and eight times more than it is in tomatoes. It is so rich that the vitamin doesn't get destroyed whether you burn or dry it. And we know how necessary vitamin ?C? is for our system. Besides keeping the system clean of the various germs and other filth, it provides resistance power to the body.
Aamla is capable of curing many diseases and ailments alone if it is taken in the right combination. Aamla is one of the essential ingredients of ?Triphala? churna (powder). This is the most important and most popular combination of Indian Herbs in Ayurvedic system of medicine. The other two ingredients are known as ?Harda? & ?Behda.? The combination of these three super herbs is so wonderful that it can create miraculous results in body and mind. It has the power to balance Tridosha (Imbalance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha).? http://www.ayurvedtoronto.com/aamla.htm
There are a number of sites on the internet that sell the Aamla fruit or its extract. It is also spelled ?Amla.? http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=amla%20fruit&sourceid=mozilla-search&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&sa=N&tab=wf
Castor oil is a purgative used often in Ayurvedic medicine, either alone or in combination with other substances. This site has an overview of castor oil?s many uses, including its use in the treatment of hydrocele. http://www.astrojyoti.com/ayurvedaherbs.htm
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INTERESTING STUFF
There are some Arabic writings that came out of the Middle East during medieval times discussing the use of a poultice of marijuana as an externally applied compound to treat and cure hydrocele. Of course there is a whole legality issue to consider here, but I thought I?d mention it as an aside.
?The medieval Arabic author of the Mukzun-ul-Udwieh said of cannabis that . . . ?the dried leaves bruised and spread on a castor oil leaf cure hydrocele and swelled testes.?? http://cannabisculture.com/articles/1736.html
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HOLISTIC HEALERS
If you are serious about pursuing alternative and complementary medicine as an option for treating your hydrocele, it may be worthwhile to meet in person with a naturopath or other holistic healer. This way your condition can be evaluated properly and a treatment protocol can be recommended specifically for you.
The American Holistic Medical Association has a search feature where you can look for practitioners in your area. Many are physicians who practice with an emphasis on holistic healing, and others are naturopaths and other health professionals with similar healing philosophies. http://www.holisticmedicine.org/ahma/public?action=findDoctors
Here is their main website.
http://www.holisticmedicine.org/about/about.shtml
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I hope that you find this information useful and that you are able to gain some relief soon! Again, if you have specific concerns or questions, be sure to discuss them with a qualified health practitioner that you trust. If you have any need of further clarification, please let me know how I can help.
Sincerely,
Boquinha-ga
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I've suffered with a 'repeat offender' now for about 3 years.
Aspirations are fine for the short term.....and the surgery hasn't worked for me personally (arguably made things worse) so i strongly caution every one to at least TRY the sclerosing option before letting the surgeon at you with his scalpel.
Haven't found any successful alternative therapy yet, but DO wonder if the condition isn't aggravated by medications.
Anyone have a happier tale to tell? Be interested! Thanx!
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