Undescended Testicles

As a boy grows in his mother’s womb, his testicles will usually form on the inside of his abdomen, and only after delivery will they descend into the scrotum. However, 3-4% of full-term infants will be diagnosed with an undescended testicle, which is also known as Cryptorchidism.

Undescended testicles are the most common genital abnormality amongst boys. In most cases, the testicles will descend on their own between 6-9 months of age, but if this doesn’t occur, it’s imperative to get treatment to prevent damage, fertility problems, or medical complications in the future.

If an infant’s testicles have not descended by the age of one, the possibility of surgery should be considered. Surgery will not only confirm the diagnosis of Cryptorchidism, but may reduce the chances of any permanent damage to the testicles. Undescended testicles are considered abnormal, and they increase the chances of cancer development even if they are brought down into the scrotum. In addition, bringing the sperm to the scrotum will increase and maximize sperm production and the chances of future fertility.

Another option for the treatment of undescended testicles is hormone injection, which uses B-HCG or testosterone to coax the undescended testicles down into the scrotum. Most of the time, the testicles will descend on their own without any medical intervention, but if they don’t descend naturally, surgery is almost always successful.

If the testicles are not found during surgery, this is known as vanished testis. Vanished testis usually occurs as the result of a problem during the development of the baby in the womb.

If you have any uncertainty regarding self-testicle examination or general questions, contact your doctor or physician to get more information.