Undescended Testicle

Undescended testicles, or cryptorchidism, is a disorder whereby a baby boy’s testicles do not move down (descend) into place in the scrotum, the bag of skin hanging below the penis. During pregnancy, the testicles of a baby boy form inside the abdomen and naturally descend into the scrotum before birth. However, in some cases, this doesn’t happen naturally, and the baby is born with ‘undescended testicles’. The testicles may remain in the abdomen or may only descend partially. Because of this, you may not see the baby boy’s testicles where they are supposed to be. In most cases, only one testicle is affected (unilateral), though both testicles may also be undescended in certain cases (bilateral).

This disorder is more common in baby boys born prematurely or those born with a low birth weight. A family history of this disease, Down syndrome, alcohol use or smoking by the mother during pregnancy or obesity or diabetes in the mother puts a child at greater risk of being born with undescended testicles.

In most cases, the testicles descend on their own by three months of age, but if that does not happen, treatment is recommended as untreated undescended testicles can lead to further long-term complications, such as fertility problems, testicular cancer, hernia or damage to the testicle if it’s in a part where it will be subjected to pressure. 

Undescended testicles are not a painful condition, and do not affect fertility if treated. 

When to seek expert advice

Since the absence of testicles in a baby boy can be upsetting for parents, you must see your child’s paediatrician working with the Department of Paediatrics at The Aga Khan University Hospital if you notice an empty scrotum in your baby. Usually, the testicle will descend on its own by the time your baby is four months of age. However, in case that does not happen, the problem will require treatment. 

Early treatment of undescended testicles can prevent further complications later in life. In some cases, previously visible testicles may disappear, indicating a case of ‘acquired undescended testicles’. Anything different or irregular about your baby boy’s testicles must not be ignored, and you must consult your child’s paediatrician immediately.