Undescended testicles
Undescended testicles, or cryptorchidism, is when one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum and remain in the abdomen. In this case, the scrotum looks and feels empty.1
This condition is often evaluated by a pediatrician in babies. This can also occur in older children where they have testicles that have descended normally at birth but then the testicles ascend as the child grows because they are not attached in the scrotum.
For about half of boys born with an undescended testicle, the testicle will descend into place on its own, typically within the first 3-6 months of life. If it has not descended after 6 months, or if the boy has experienced an ascended testicle later in childhood, the child should see a pediatrician or pediatric urologist.
This occurs in up to about
3 or 4
out of 100
newborn boys1
And up to
21
out of 100
are premature newborns1
infants who have undescended testicles have them on both sides1
What does treatment look like?
In the case of an undescended testicle(s) that has not descended on its own, surgery is typically needed. This can include:
- Orchiopexy: surgery to move the testicles into the scrotum.1
- Orchiectomy: surgery to remove the testicles. This may be a recommendation a doctor provides in certain cases.2
You have options
If you or your child is facing an undescended testicle and one or both must be removed, a testicle implant can help maintain the look, feel, and shape of the scrotum.
References
1 Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism). Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/undescended-testicles-(cryptorchidism). Accessed August 2024.
2 Kolon TF, Herndon CD, Baker LA, Baskin LS, Baxter CG, Cheng EY, Diaz M, Lee PA, Seashore CJ, Tasian GE, Barthold JS; American Urological Assocation. Evaluation and treatment of cryptorchidism: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2014 Aug;192(2):337-45.
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