Overview
Cryptorchidism, or undescended testicle, is a condition where one or both testicles have not moved into the scrotum by birth. It is the most common congenital abnormality in male genitalia.
Symptoms
The main sign is the inability to feel a testicle in the scrotum during a physical examination.
Additional signs may include an empty or partially empty scrotal sac, asymmetry of the scrotum, or a testicle located in the groin or abdomen that cannot be manually manipulated into the scrotum.
Causes
The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to premature birth, low birth weight, or fetal development.
Other potential contributing factors include genetic predisposition, maternal exposure to certain hormones during pregnancy, and disruptions in the hormonal signaling that guides testicular descent.
Treatment
In many cases, the testicle descends on its own within the first year. If not, treatment may involve hormone therapy or surgery (orchiopexy) to move the testicle into the scrotum.
Orchiopexy is typically recommended between 6 and 18 months of age to reduce the risk of complications such as testicular cancer, infertility, and testicular torsion.
When to See a Doctor
If your child's testicles have not descended by their first birthday, see a pediatric urologist.
Early evaluation is important because timely intervention can help preserve fertility and reduce the long-term risk of testicular cancer.