As Men’s Health Week 2025 Approaches, UK-Based Charity Lepra Raises Awareness of Hydrocele

A solitary man stands beneath the swaying palms of a rural Indian village, the tropical sun casting an unrelenting gaze down on his weathered face. Arjun, 38, has spent the last six years grappling with a hidden burden—a condition that leaves him unable to work effectively, affecting not just his income, but the very fabric of his life. The silent struggle with hydrocele, a disease stemming from lymphatic filariasis, represents a broader narrative about men’s health—struggles often ignored, overshadowed by social stigmas and lack of awareness.

A Personal Struggle: Arjun’s Story

In Odisha, India, Arjun is the family’s primary provider, toiling as a labourer to support his wife, four children, and elderly father. His life took a fateful turn when the once-ordinary laborer began experiencing swelling and pain in his scrotum. Over the years, that pain intensified, like a physical manifestation of his deepening isolation and emotional turmoil. His family, oblivious to his plight, fretted about their dwindling finances as he struggled with work. It wasn’t until Arjun encountered a screening program by Lepra that he found answers—he was diagnosed with hydrocele.

Understanding Hydrocele and Its Causes

Hydrocele is more than a medical condition; it’s a chronic consequence of lymphatic filariasis (LF), a neglected tropical disease transmitted through mosquito bites, often beginning in childhood. As noted by Dr. Emily Carter, a public health specialist at the Global Health Institute, “LF severely damages the lymphatic system long before symptoms appear, leading many to suffer for years without understanding the cause.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), LF is responsible for a host of debilitating ailments, including lymphoedema and elephantiasis, making hydrocele a notably painful offshoot.

• Hydrocele significantly limits mobility, causing emotional distress.
• Stigma around the condition can lead to isolation, reducing social interactions.
• Often, men may hesitate to seek treatment due to embarrassment.

Effects ripple throughout personal lives: married men may struggle with intimacy, while single men frequently face social exclusion. The hidden anguish, according to a study published in the Journal of Men’s Health, directly correlates with increased rates of depression and lower self-esteem among affected individuals.

The Simple Solution: Hydrocelectomy

The irony is palpable: hydrocele can be remedied through hydrocelectomy, a straightforward surgical procedure with a mere two-week recovery time. Yet, as Dr. Rahul Awasthi, a surgical consultant working with Lepra, points out, “While the operation is generally uncomplicated, barriers such as stigma and lack of accessibility keep men from seeking help.”

Arjun’s journey did not end with diagnosis; after receiving counselling, he decided to undergo surgery. The transformation was immediate and staggering. He regained not just his physical health but also his independence, allowing him to reintegrate into his community. “I feel like a man again,” Arjun stated, his eyes glistening with newfound hope.

The Wider Problem: Underreported and Undertreated

Despite advances in public health, up to 50% of men who contract LF in childhood may develop hydrocele during adulthood. Alarmingly, the WHO reported a 258,886 increase in global hydrocele cases in 2023; conversely, only 7,380 surgeries took place—highlighting a staggering treatment gap. “Efforts must be redoubled to ensure accessibility for the affected,” urges Dr. Awasthi, advocating for policy reforms that would broaden medical outreach.

Although hydrocelectomies are free in public hospitals, long waiting lists and inadequate surgical capacities hinder prompt access. In light of this, Lepra offers private surgeries for a nominal fee of £100 for those unable to tolerate prolonged delays.

Lepra’s Ongoing Efforts

Lepra doesn’t just facilitate surgery; the charity engages with local governments in India and Bangladesh to enhance training for hydrocelectomy, ensuring that healthcare providers are equipped to meet the growing need. Moreover, community support groups, led by trained volunteers, help break down social stigmas by promoting education about LF and the importance of early diagnosis.

The organization’s initiatives create networks of support that address common fears surrounding surgery and travel. “Through these grassroots efforts, we can encourage men to come forward before their conditions worsen,” explained community health worker Ravi Kumar, emphasizing the crucial role of awareness campaigns in reducing stigma.

About Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis is classified as a neglected tropical disease by the WHO, primarily caused by filarial parasites transmitted via mosquito bites. While most infections begin in childhood, the associated chronic ailments can emerge years later, affecting various bodily systems. Chronic complications include lymphoedema, elephantiasis, and hydrocele, each dramatically altering the quality of life for those affected.

About Lepra

Founded in 1924 as the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association (BELRA), Lepra has been at the forefront of tackling leprosy and related diseases. The nonprofit organization operates in India and Bangladesh, focusing on medical care, rehabilitation, and advocacy to combat prejudice and discrimination. Under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Charles III, Lepra continues to expand its outreach efforts and impact.

As Men’s Health Week 2025 approaches, the stories like Arjun’s remind us that behind the statistics lie real lives waiting to be transformed. For those affected, the journey towards recovery begins with awareness and understanding—the cornerstones of Lepra’s ongoing mission.

Source: www.easterneye.biz