The burden of hydrocele on men in Northern Ghana

The social and economic impact of lymphatic filariasis was studied in Northern Ghana. Qualitative methods of gathering information revealed that even though the disease was a problem to both men and women, men with hydrocele suffered a greater psychosocial burden. Particular attention was paid to them, distinguishing men with small hydroceles and men with large ones. Out of frustration men with small hydroceles sought health care from a wider range of places than men with larger ones. The pain associated with adenolymphangitis (ADL) renders them inactive for up to 5 days. Complications of lymph scrotum and ridicule from community members were a problem. Unmarried men in particular found it difficult to find a spouse with their condition, and various degrees of sexual dysfunction were reported amongst married men. The clinical significance and the value of time and attention for counseling to mitigate the effects of the disease on damaged male identity and the need for gender studies to address male issues and the need for including psychosocial issues in the calculating of disability adjusted life years (DALY's) is also discussed.