652 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



parts was threatened, wlien liis father brought him to 

 us for relief. Persons suffering with paraphimosis 

 should not incur the risk of an accident of this sort. 

 Wlien paraphimosis exists, a physician should be called, 

 unless by careful manipulation of the parts they can 

 be readily restored to their normal condition. 



Hydrocele. —This condition, sometimes incorrectly 

 called dropsy of the testicle, consists in an excessive 

 accumulation of natural secretion within one of the 

 coverings of the testicle. The enlargement is usually 

 pear-shaped, with the large end downward, and differs 

 from hernia in its form, the tumor of hernia being 

 larger at the upper instead of the lower part. Wlien 

 allowed to exist for years, hydrocele frequently causes 

 a wasting of the testicle, and hence should receive atten- 

 tion as soon as it makes its appearance. It is not nec- 

 essary to describe the methods of treatment required 

 for this disorder, as a competent surgeon should be 

 consulted. 



Varicocele.— This condition consists of a varicose 

 condition of the spermatic veins. It is a very frequent 

 malady, probably one-tenth of all males being affected 

 with it. In chronic cases, the disease is accompanied 

 by more or less inflammation of the walls of the veins, 

 causing thickening„ The mass of veins sometimes at- 

 tains an enormous size. Aside from the enlargement, 

 the most common symptoms are pain in the testicle 

 and groin, and a constant dragging sensation, espe- 

 cially when standing upon the feet, or engaged in active 

 exercise. In many cases, these symptoms are not pres- 

 ent to such an extent as to occasion any inconvenience 

 during the cold months, but are very troublesome dur- 

 ing the warm season of the year. The disease may be 

 occasioned by the same causes which produce a vari- 



