Definition

An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) is when a boy's testicle does not move down into the scrotum. Testicles develop inside the abdomen before birth. They move down into the scrotum just before or after birth.

Causes

It is not always known why this happens. It is thought to be a problem with the way the testicles develop.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

• Low birth weight
• Being born too early
• A family history of undescended testicles
• Klinefelter syndrome or other chromosomal problems
• Factors in the mother during pregnancy, such as:
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Gestational diabetes mellitus
  • High levels of alpha-fetoprotein

Symptoms

The main symptom is not being able to see or feel the testicle.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your child's symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the testicles. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.

Images may need to be taken to locate the testicle. This can be done with ultrasound or laparoscopy.

Treatment

Treatment is needed to avoid problems, such as infertility and testicular cancer.

Choices are:

• Waiting for the testicle to descend on its own
• Surgery to move the testicle down and stitch it into place
• Hormone therapy (not common)

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent this problem.