A condition in which a testis has not descended into the scrotum.
An undescended testicle is one that hasn’t moved down from the abdomen to the scrotum. Typically, this situation involves just one testicle. While an undescended testicle often relocates to the scrotum during the first few months after birth, such movement becomes rare after that period. This condition is more frequent among premature male infants.
When a testicle fails to descend, its development is impaired, leading to abnormal sperm production and an elevated likelihood of testicular cancer. In cases where both testicles remain undescended, infertility is the consequence.
The conclusive movement of the testicle downward via the inguinal canal in the groin area is overseen by hormones generated by both the mother and the testicle itself. When these triggers fail to yield the desired outcome, the spermatic cord (containing the vas deferens and blood vessels to the testicle) doesn’t extend adequately to facilitate complete descent. On rarer occasions, an unimpaired testicle might be hindered from reaching the scrotum due to obstructing fibers, causing it to remain within the groin.
Diagnosis occurs through a physical examination either shortly after birth or later during infancy. The recommended treatment is orchidopexy, a surgical procedure aimed at relocating the testicle into the scrotum. This approach typically diminishes the potential for future infertility or testicular cancer. In instances where one undescended testicle is underdeveloped, it might be advisable to remove it, assuming the other one is healthy.