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Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) is a testicle that hasn't moved into its proper position in the bag of skin hanging below the penis (scrotum) before birth. Usually just one testicle is affected, but about 10 percent of the time, both testicles are undescended.
An undescended testicle is uncommon in general, but quite common among baby boys born prematurely.
The vast majority of the time, the undescended testicle moves into its proper position on its own, within the first few months of life. If your son has an undescended testicle that doesn't correct itself, surgery can relocate the testicle into the scrotum.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Not seeing or feeling a testicle where you would expect it to be in the scrotum is the main sign of an undescended testicle.
Testicles form in the abdomen during fetal development. During the last couple of months of normal fetal development, the testicles gradually descend from the abdomen through a tube-like passageway in the groin (inguinal canal) into the scrotum. With an undescended testicle, that process stops or is delayed.
An undescended testicle is typically detected when your baby is examined shortly after birth. If your son has an undescended testicle, ask the doctor how often your son will need to be examined. If the testicle hasn't moved into the scrotum by the time your son is 4 months old, the problem probably won't correct itself.
Treating undescended testicle when your son is still a baby may lower the risk of complications later in life, such as infertility and testicular cancer.
Older boys — from infants to pre-adolescent boys — who have normally descended testicles at birth might appear to be "missing" a testicle later. This condition might indicate:
If you notice any changes in your son's genitals or are concerned about his development, talk to your son's doctor.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
The exact cause of an undescended testicle isn't known. A combination of genetics, maternal health and other environmental factors might disrupt the hormones, physical changes and nerve activity that influence the development of the testicles.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
At Mayo Clinic, we take the time to listen, to find answers and to provide you the best care.
If your son has an undescended testicle, his doctor may recommend surgery for diagnosis and potential treatment:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
In order for testicles to develop and function normally, they need to be slightly cooler than normal body temperature. The scrotum provides this cooler environment. Until a boy is 3 or 4 years old, the testicles continue to undergo changes that affect how well they function later.
Complications of a testicle not being located where it is supposed to be include:
Other complications related to the abnormal location of the undescended testicle include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Even after corrective surgery, it's important to check the condition of the testicles to ensure they develop normally. You can help your son by being aware of the development of his body. Check the position of his testicles regularly during diaper changes and baths.
As your son gets older, talk to him about his testicles. When he's about to reach puberty and you're talking about what physical changes to expect, explain how he can check the testicles himself. Self-examination of testicles will be an important skill for early detection of possible tumors.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
If your son doesn't have one or both testicles, he might be sensitive about his appearance. He might have anxieties about looking different from friends or classmates, especially if he has to undress in front of others in gym class. The following strategies might help him cope:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Factors that might increase the risk of undescended testicle in a newborn include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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