Undescended Testicles

Undescended testicles is actually a common condition, especially in premature babies, and it could lead to serious complications if not managed.

Undescended testicles

The undescended testicles condition occurs when the testicles remain in the abdominal cavity where they develop during fetal development rather than dropping inside the scrotum. In most of the cases, only one testicle doesn’t drop.

Causes and risk factors of undescended testicles

The reason behind cryptorchidism isn’t clear, but it’s thought that the following factors increase the risk of it:

• Premature birth and low birth weight.
• Family history.
• Certain health disorders in the baby, such as problems in the wall of the abdomen and cerebral palsy.
• Diabetic mother.
• Smoking, drinking alcohol, or exposure to pesticides during pregnancy.

Symptoms of undescended testicles

• The absence of one or both testicles is usually the only symptom of undescended testicles. The testes are supposed to descend into the scrotum within the last few months of pregnancy.

Complications of undescended testicles

When remaining in the abdominal cavity, the testicles are susceptible to a temperature that is higher than what’s normal for them, and undescended testes could lead to:

• Testicular cancer.
• Testicular torsion.
• Fertility issues and infertility in some cases.
• Inguinal hernia.
• Damage in the testicle from pressure against the pubic bone.

Diagnosis of undescended testicles

• Physical exam.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of undescended testicles

• If the undescended testicle didn’t drop within the first year, an orchiopexy (surgery to descend the testicle) is the only treatment.