Undescended Testicle Treatment in Delhi & Gurgaon
Understanding Cryptorchidism in Infants and Children
Illustration showing Undescended Testicle
What are undescended testicles?
During fetal development, the testicles develop in the abdomen. Testicles make and store sperm sex cells. Before birth, the testicles typically drop from inside the abdomen into the scrotum.
The scrotum is the thin pouch of skin behind the penis that normally holds the testicles. Undescended testicles are when the testicles fail to drop into the scrotum before birth or in the first few months of life.
Another name for undescended testicles is cryptorchidism.
Are undescended testicles serious?
Without treatment, undescended testicles can be serious. They can lower your child's testosterone levels and affect their sperm health. With or without treatment, your child may also have a slightly increased risk of developing testicular cancer. But earlier treatment decreases this increased risk.
How common are undescended testicles?
Full-term babies
3%
have undescended testicles at birth
Premature babies
Up to 30%
have undescended testicles
Important: In about half of babies who have undescended testicles, the testicles will descend on their own within a few months.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of undescended testicles?
The main symptom of undescended testicles is the absence of a testicle in one or both sides of the scrotum.
There are usually no other symptoms. Undescended testicles don't cause pain or affect your baby's ability to urinate (pee).
What causes undescended testicles?
Healthcare providers and medical researchers aren't sure why some babies have undescended testicles at birth. In some cases, they think a testosterone deficiency during fetal development may interfere with how the testicles develop.
Note: There isn't any evidence that anything you do while pregnant causes your baby to have undescended testicles.
Who do undescended testicles affect?
What are the complications of undescended testicles?
Babies with undescended testicles have a higher risk of:
Testicular cancer
Most common cancer that affects males between 15 and 35.
Testicular torsion
When the spermatic cord twists and cuts off blood supply. Very painful and requires immediate treatment.
Inguinal hernia
Part of an organ bulges through muscle or tissue near your groin.
Hypogonadism
Testicles don't produce enough testosterone.
Diagnosis and Tests
How are undescended testicles diagnosed?
Your child's healthcare provider can diagnose undescended testicles during a physical examination at birth or shortly after birth. If they can't feel the testicles (impalpable), your child may have undescended testicles.
Physical Examination
Provider examines scrotum for presence of testicles during newborn check
Specialist Referral
May refer to pediatric urologist for further evaluation
Note: The provider may refer you to a pediatric urologist. A pediatric urologist is a surgeon who specializes in diseases and conditions that affect the urinary and reproductive systems in children. They may order imaging tests, including a pelvic ultrasound, to help locate the testicles. However, an ultrasound usually isn't necessary.
Key Takeaways
Detection & Statistics
- • 3% of full-term babies affected at birth
- • Up to 30% of premature babies affected
- • Half descend naturally within months
- • Diagnosed during newborn physical exam
Treatment & Complications
- • Early treatment reduces cancer risk
- • Can affect testosterone production
- • May impact future fertility
- • Associated with several complications if untreated