Undescended Testicle

Alternate Names : Cryptorchidism

Undescended testicle, called cryptorchidism, refers to a testicle that fails to move into the scrotum. This is a condition that is present at birth.

What is going on in the body?

The testes move from inside the abdomen into the scrotum during a baby's development. The testicles are found in the scrotum in 97% of boys born at full term. The testicles may not move into the scrotum in up to one-third of premature infants. Some testicles continue moving and reach the scrotum during the first year of life. If the testicles have not moved into the scrotum by one year of age, it is unlikely that they will ever do so.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The exact causes of this condition are still a subject of debate. There appear to be both hormonal and mechanical factors at work. This condition is much more likely to occur in premature infants. The earlier a child is born, the more likely the child is to have this condition. Certain inherited conditions can also make this condition more likely to occur.