Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) refers to a testicle that did not fit into the proper position in the bag of skin (scrotum) under the penis before birth. Usually only one testis is affected, but in 10% of cases both testicles are affected. An undescended testicle is uncommon in general, but common among preterm infants.
The testicles are formed in the abdomen during fetal development. During the last few months of normal fetal development, the testicles gradually descend into the scrotum through a tube-like passage in the groin (inguinal canal). In the undescended testis, this process stops or is delayed. Not seeing or feeling a testicle that you would expect to be in the scrotum is the main sign of an undescended testicle.
The exact cause of an undescended testis is unknown. The combination of genetics, maternal health, and other environmental factors can disrupt the hormones, physical changes and nerve activity that affect the development of the testicles.
Factors that may increase the risk of undescended testis in newborns; low birth weight, premature birth, family history or other problems of genital development, conditions that can restrict growth such as Down syndrome or abdominal wall defect, maternal alcohol use during pregnancy, maternal smoking or exposure to smoke, parental exposure to certain pesticides (pesticides) can be sorted.
Often, the undescended testicle moves into its proper position on its own in the first few months of life. If a testicle has not descended on its own by the time a baby is 6 months old, it should be checked out by a specialist and treated if the condition is confirmed. This usually involves surgical repositioning of the testis into the scrotum. In this procedure, a small cut is made in the groin and the testis is lowered into the scrotum, then fixed in place. It is an outpatient surgical procedure and most children recover completely within a week.
Treatment is necessary for some reason. Having testicles or testicles in the body means that the testicles or testicles are at a higher temperature than normal (the testicles must be below normal body temperature to produce sperm). Higher temperature can damage the development of the testicle and its ability to make sperm in the future. This could possibly lead to infertility. An undescended testis is more likely to form a tumor than a normally descended testis. An undescended testicle may be more at risk for injury or testicular torsion. An asymmetrical or empty scrotum can cause a child to worry and feel embarrassed. Sometimes men with undescended testicles develop an inguinal hernia. It is believed that men with a single undescended testicle will have normal fertility and testicular function as adults, while those with two undescended testicles are more likely to have reduced fertility. Men with undescended testicles should have regular follow-up appointments with a urologist to make sure no problems develop.