Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for sudden severe testicular pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent same-day medical advice for:
Increasing redness, warmth, or pus from the wound
Fever or feeling increasingly unwell
Pain that is worsening or not controlled as instructed
Rapidly increasing swelling or extensive bruising
Persistent bleeding or the wound opening
Difficulty passing urine
A drain that falls out or suddenly stops working
Sudden testicular pain needs prompt assessment because it may have a cause unrelated to the recent hydrocele repair.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine advice, contact your surgical team if swelling is not gradually settling, discomfort continues longer than expected, or you have questions about returning to work, exercise, or sex.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hydrocele repair. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.