Undescended testicles
Of every 100 boys born, 3 to 5 will have either one or both testicles (testes) absent from their scrotum, the small bag of skin where testicles are usually found.
During development testicles form inside the baby's abdomen and move down a tiny passage in the groin, the inguinal canal, into their usual location. This normally happens before the baby is born. When it doesn't, the baby is said to have ‘undescended’ testicles (medically known as cryptorchidism). In many cases the delay is temporary, but by the age of one year some boys will still have the problem.
Complications associated with undescended testicles
Undescended testicles can be a serious problem because it may affect future fertility. Two out of 3 males who reach adulthood with both testicles undescended will be infertile. This is probably due to the fact that when the testicles are in the scrotum they are relatively ‘external’ and are at a lower temperature than when inside the abdomen. A further concern is that cancer is more common in testicles that are not properly located.
Retractile testicles
In some boys the testicles are ‘retractile’, which means that, although they are fully descended, tiny muscle contractions cause them to temporarily withdraw from the scrotum. This often happens in cold weather.
Acquired cryptorchidism
Sometimes the testicles are present at birth, but ‘disappear’ a year or 2 later. This ‘acquired’ cryptorchidism can happen up to the age of 10 years and is thought to be due to an abnormally short spermatic cord, which leads from the testicle back up into the groin. As the baby grows this cord does not elongate, causing the testicle to be pulled back up into the inguinal canal.
Treating undescended testicles
Some cases of undescended testicles require an operation to bring them down to their correct location. This is done as young as 6 months of age. Testicles are unlikely to descend without treatment after 6 months of age.
In some cases, treatment with hormone injections can help move the testicles into the scrotum.
If you have a small boy, it is wise to check that you can feel both testicles in his scrotum. This is easily done when he is sitting in a warm bath.
Last Reviewed: 07 December 2009
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