It is when the testicle does not move from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum.
What causes it?
Normally, the testicles move to the scrotum before birth.
An undescended testicle does not move to the scrotum.
Who can get it?
This is a condition only in males.
It is fairly common in premature infants.
What are the signs and symptoms?
There are usually no symptoms except that the testicle is not found in the
scrotum.
It can lead to other problems.
Undescended testicles are at higher risk of developing cancer, even if they
are brought down to the scrotum.
It can lead to infertility (testicles are unable to make sperm).
How is it treated?
Often, the testicle descends on its own without treatment before the child
is 1 year old.
Testicles that do not descend by one year of age may need treatment.
Treatment choices include hormone injections (shots) or surgery.
The hormones remind the body that the testicle should move down to the scrotum.
Hormone treatment often does not work for children under 2 years old.
Surgery is usually recommended around 1 year of age.
The surgery brings the testicle down and is usually successful.
Bringing the testicle down to the scrotum helps it produce sperm and makes
it easier to examine the testicle for early signs of cancer.
Sometimes, the undescended testicle can be found in the abdominal wall above
the scrotum.
Whenever there is an undescended testicle, there is also usually a hernia.
During the surgery to bring the testicle down, the hernia is usually fixed
too.
To do the surgery, a small cut is made in the groin and on the scrotum.
The child can usually go home on the same day.
In very few cases, a second surgery may be needed to bring the testicle
down.
In few cases, the testicle can't be found during surgery. This is called
a vanished or absent testis. It is a birth defect.
How long does it last?
In many cases, the testicle will descend on its own before the child is
9 months old.
A testicle that does not descend by one year of age may need surgery.
Can it be prevented?
Doctors do not know how it can be prevented.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor if you think your son has an undescended testicle.
Call your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's condition
or treatment.
Quick Answers
An undescended testicle does not move from the abdominal cavity to the scrotum.
Normally, the testicles move to the scrotum before birth.
It is fairly common in premature infants.
An undescended testicle can lead to other problems such as infertility.
A testicle that does not descend on its own may need hormone treatment or
surgery.
In many cases, the testicle will descend on its own before the child is
9 months old.
Doctors do not know how it can be prevented.
Call your doctor if you think your son has an undescended testicle.
References
MEDLINEplus. Undescended Testicle. 2001 May 27 (cited 2002 February 19).
URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000973.htm
Urology. Information About Undescended Testicle (Cryptorchidism).
Virtual Children's Hospital. 2000 May (cited February 19). URL: http://www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/Uro/Peds/UndescendedTesticle.html
Texas Pediatric Surgical Associates. The Undescended Testicle. (cited 2002
February 19). URL: http://www.pedisurg.com/PtEduc/Undescended_Testis_or_Testicle.htm
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