Cryptorchidism – Undescended Testis
Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or two testicles to descend into the scrotum. Delayed descending of testicles into the scrotum is a common condition in children. According to statistics, one boy in 25 is born with cryptorchidism.
In most cases, no treatment is necessary because the testicle(s) will descend into the scrotum within the first 3-6 months. This condition is not painful and does not pose an immediate threat to health, but it must be examined and monitored by a doctor. Cryptorchidism is usually not characterized by any other symptoms except that you may not feel the testicles in the scrotum when you touch them with your hand.
The testicles often move up and down at different times and change location under the influence of temperature or emotion (excitement, fear). This condition differs from a testicle not descending into the scrotum and is known as a retractile testicle.
Retractile testicles in young children is not alarming because the testicles often remain permanently in the scrotum after maturation. Even in this case, however, monitoring may be necessary. According to current recommendations, if by the age of 6 months, the testicle is not secured in the scrotum, and with a little massage from the doctor, it has not been able to move beyond the inguinal canal, surgical treatment is required to prevent further disruption of spermatogenesis.
What is the reason for the failure of the testicles to descend into the scrotum?
During pregnancy, the testicles form in the baby's abdomen and descend into the scrotum about 1-2 months before birth. The exact cause of cryptorchidism is unknown, although most children with this problem are otherwise perfectly healthy.
Causes of the pathology may include:
- Low weight
- Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
- Premature birth (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
- Use of chemical preparations by a parent
What complications can lead to the failure of the testes descending in the scrotum?
First, it violates testicular function, and second, a later complication is a degeneration into a malignant tumor. Sometimes there can be a torsion of the cryptorchid gland.
Diagnosis
Undescended testes in the scrotum are often detected by physical examination performed after birth. If the doctor finds the presence of testicles on palpation, no further examinations or scans will be necessary, but if the testicles are not palpable, laparoscopic diagnosis may be required.
How is cryptorchidism treated?
In most cases, the testicles naturally descend into the scrotum within the first six months of life. If the testicles do not descend after six months, treatment is recommended because, as mentioned above, cryptorchidism is accompanied by significant complications. It can cause future fertility problems and increase the risk of testicular cancer.
Treatment usually involves an operation called an orchidopexy, which returns the testicles to their correct position inside the scrotum. The child is usually operated on before the age of 1 year. The surgery is simple and is successful in most cases.
New Hospitals Child Health Center offers 24-hour, full-service pediatric services. Contact us at 032 2 190 190 190
