Undescended testicle

Alternative names:

cryptorchidism; empty scrotum; monorchism; scrotum - empty

Treatment:

Usually the testicle will descend into the scrotum without any intervention during the first year of life. If this does not occur, hormonal injections are given in an attempt to stimulate movement of the testicle into the scrotum. Surgery (orchiopexy) may be required if the hormonal treatment is not successful and is usually done before the age of 3 years.

Expectations (prognosis):

The majority of cases resolve spontaneously, without any treatment. Medical or surgical correction of the condition is usually successful.

Complications:

If the testicle does not descend, the male may become infertile later in life. Males who have an undescended testicle at birth are at higher risk of developing testicular cancer in that testicle (even after it has descended either spontaneously, with hormonal therapy, or through surgery).

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your child's health care provider if he appears to have an undescended testicle.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are a male, 15 years or older, and you are unaware of how to perform testicular self examination (TSE).