What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Cryptorchidism
• Monorchism
• Vanished Testes-Undescended

What is Undescended Testicle? (Definition/Background Information)

• Undescended Testicle is a congenital birth defect affecting boys. In this condition, one or both the testes are absent from the scrotum (a bag of skin behind the penis)
• Normally, the testes develop inside the abdominal cavity and then travel to descend into the scrotum. In Undescended Testicle, the testes do not descend into their proper position into the scrotum, before birth
• Generally, only one testicle is affected in this condition, known as unilateral Undescended Testicle. However, occasionally, both the testicles may be affected, in which case it is known as bilateral Undescended Testicle
• Some risk factors for this condition include premature birth, congenital abnormalities in the child (such as Down syndrome), substance and alcohol abuse during pregnancy, exposure of either parent to pesticides, and many other factors
• The exact cause of Undescended Testicle is unknown. Several factors, such as family history, ill health of the expectant mother, substance abuse and resultant hormonal imbalances during pregnancy are believed to contribute to the condition
• Physical examination of the baby and imaging studies, such as ultrasound and CT scans, are helpful in making a diagnosis of Undescended Testicles
• In most cases, in children with Undescended Testicles, the testicles usually descend on their own during the child's first year, and the prognosis is generally excellent
• If the testicles do not descend naturally, surgery may be performed to place them in their normal position. The prognosis of Undescended Testicles is excellent with appropriate treatment in most cases

Who gets Undescended Testicle? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Undescended Testicle is a male disorder; it involves the male genital organs
• This condition is the most common male genital abnormality at birth
• Prematurely born infants are at a high risk of this disorder
• This condition is observed in children of all racial and ethnic groups

What are the Risk Factors for Undescended Testicle? (Predisposing Factors)

The following are some risk factors associated with Undescended Testicles:

• Low weight at birth
• Premature birth
• Family history of Undescended Testicles
• Family history of other genital disorders
• Medical conditions that affects the growth of the fetus such as:
  • Down syndrome, or
  • Defects in the abdominal wall
• Alcohol consumption or smoking during pregnancy
• Maternal obesity
• Maternal diabetes
• Exposure of parents to pesticides

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Undescended Testicle? (Etiology)

• Currently, the exact cause of Undescended Testicle is not known
• Various factors such as genetics, maternal health and environmental triggers, are believed to cause imbalance in the hormones that help in the development of testicles, and in its process of descending to the scrotum, leading to the condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Undescended Testicle?

The only significant symptom of Undescended Testicle is the absence of testicles in the scrotum. One may be unable to see or feel the testicle(s).

How is Undescended Testicle Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Undescended Testicles may involve the following methods:

• Complete evaluation of medical history, along with a thorough physical exam
• Assessment of the symptoms
• Imaging studies, such as ultrasound and CT scans, to locate the testes in the abdomen

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Undescended Testicle?

Undescended Testicles can lead to the following potential complications later in life:

• Increased risk of testicular cancer: The risk of developing testicular cancer is reported to be higher in individuals with Undescended Testicles
• Infertility, if there is delay in surgical correction; especially in individuals with bilateral Undescended Testicles

How is Undescended Testicle Treated?

The treatment of Undescended Testicles is aimed at moving the testicle to its normal place.

• The treatment is generally recommended as early as possible in a child’s life, to prevent further complications
• Treatment and management methods to correct Undescended Testicles may include orchiopexy surgical procedure: It is a procedure performed either through a laparoscope or through open surgery, to place the testicles in the scrotum and suture them in place
• During the surgery, if inguinal hernia (which is soft tissue protrusion through the abdominal muscles) is noted, then it is also rectified

How can Undescended Testicle be Prevented?

Undescended Testicle is a congenital disorder, and currently, no methods for preventing the condition have been reported.

What is the Prognosis of Undescended Testicle? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• In most cases, Undescended Testicles tend to descend on their own during the first year of a patient’s life. In such cases, the prognosis is excellent
• If the condition does not resolve itself, surgery to correct the defect generally brings about successful outcomes

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Undescended Testicle:

The process of testicle formation in a male fetus is as follows:

• When the fetus is developing in the mother’s womb, the testicles are formed in the abdomen
• During the last few months of pregnancy, these testicles move down through the passage way, called inguinal canal, into the scrotum
• When this process of moving down from the abdomen to the scrotum is either stopped or delayed, the resulting medical condition is termed as Undescended Testicles i.e., testicles that have not moved to their normal position and got stuck in the lower part of the abdomen