Information From Your Health Care Provider

TESTICLE, UNDESCENDED

(Cryptorchidism)

Basic information

description

Undescended testicle occurs when one or both testicles fail to descend (move down) into the scrotum before birth. While in the uterus, a baby boy's testicles grow in his abdomen and then descend into his scrotum. Over 3% of full-term newborn males and 30% of premature newborn males are affected. The medical term for the condition is cryptorchidism.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

One or both testicles can't be felt in the normal position in the scrotum. "Testes" is another name for testicles.

causes

Unknown. It may be related to a hormone deficiency in the mother or fetus. Genetic, environmental, and other factors may also be involved.

risk increases with

Family history of undescended testicle.
Premature birth.
Low birth weight.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures.

expected outcomes

Most testicles will descend without treatment by 3 to 6 months of age. If they remain undescended, treatment can usually correct the problem.

possible complications

Inguinal hernia (weak area in wall of abdomen where intestines may protrude).
Increased risk of testicular cancer as an adult.
Sterility or reduced fertility rate.
Emotional problems, about the physical appearance of an empty scrotum, may develop as a boy gets older.
Testicular torsion (twisting).

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your child's health care provider will do a physical exam. One or both testicles will not be in the scrotum, but they can often be felt above it. If they cannot be located, medical testing may be needed. Follow-up exams are done to check if they have descended.
If the testicle lies in the scrotum at times and then occasionally retracts, the problem normally resolves itself by puberty. No treatment is needed.
Surgery (called orchiopexy) to move the testicles into the scrotum is usually recommended. Surgery is normally performed between 6 and 24 months of age and is successful in most cases. Your child may have the surgery, which takes about one hour, and go home the same day. Follow-up care instructions will be provided.
In cases where a testicle is missing or cannot be moved surgically, artificial ones (implants) are available.
Adult men with undescended testicles may have them removed or left in place. Your health care provider will discuss the options with you.

medications

Hormone therapy may be prescribed in some cases. It helps increase male hormones, which may cause the testicles to descend.
Pain relief drugs may be prescribed following surgery.

activity

No limits, except those following surgery.

diet

No special diet.

notify our office if

Your child has an undescended testicle that has not been diagnosed.
An undescended testicle has not descended within 3 to 4 months.