When a new baby is born into a family, it is a moment of great joy for everyone. After birth, doctors perform a thorough examination to ensure the baby is healthy. One of the key checks during this examination is to verify if the baby boy's testicles have descended.
What is Cryptorchidism? – Let’s Understand it Simply
During fetal development, a baby boy's testicles form inside the abdomen (abdominal cavity). In the final months of pregnancy, the testicles gradually descend from the abdomen into the sac of skin below the penis, called the scrotum.
However, in some babies, this process is not completed. This means that when the baby is born, either one or both testicles have not descended from the abdomen into the scrotum. This medical condition is known as an Undescended Testicle or Cryptorchidism.
This condition is most commonly found in premature babies (born before the 37th week) and in newborns with low birth weight.
Do the Testicles Not Descend on Their Own?
Yes, in most cases, the testicles will descend on their own within the first 3 to 4 months of life. However, if they have not descended by the time the baby is 4 months old, the likelihood of them descending naturally becomes very low, and medical treatment is needed.
What are the Causes of Undescended Testicles?
The process of testicles descending from the abdomen is controlled by the baby's hormones, nerves, and anatomy working in harmony. Disruptions in this process can be caused by:
- Low birth weight.
- Premature birth.
- Maternal smoking or alcohol use during pregnancy.
- Maternal exposure to pesticides during pregnancy.
- A family history of undescended testicles (genetic factors).
What are the Complications of this Condition?
In order for testicles to function properly and produce healthy sperm, they must reside in the scrotum, where the temperature is slightly cooler than the rest of the body. If they remain inside the abdomen, the higher body temperature can cause serious long-term complications:
- Testicular Cancer: Boys with undescended testicles have a higher risk of developing testicular cancer later in life, especially if the testicle remains in the abdomen rather than the groin.
- Infertility: It can lead to low sperm count or poor sperm quality, causing fertility problems in adulthood. The risk is significantly higher if both testicles are undescended.
- Testicular Torsion: The testicle can twist on its blood vessels, cutting off its blood supply and causing tissue damage.
- Trauma: If the testicle is located in the groin, it is more vulnerable to injury from pressure against the pubic bone.
- Inguinal Hernia: An opening in the passage where the testicle descends can allow a portion of the intestines to protrude.
How is an Undescended Testicle Identified?
Diagnosing an undescended testicle typically does not require complex machinery. A pediatrician or general doctor can easily determine if the testicles are in the scrotum by performing a physical examination using touch.
If the testicle cannot be felt, an ultrasound scan or, in some cases, a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure called laparoscopy may be used to locate it.
What Treatments are Available?
The primary and most successful treatment for this condition is surgery, known as an orchiopexy.
During this surgery, the undescended testicle is carefully moved from the abdomen or groin into the scrotum and stitched in place. This procedure is typically recommended when the baby is between 6 and 12 months of age.
Performing this surgery early (ideally before the age of 1) significantly reduces the risk of future complications such as infertility and testicular cancer.
What are the Guidelines After Treatment?
Follow-up visits with your doctor are important to ensure the testicle remains in the correct position. Additionally:
- As the boy grows older (during adolescence), he should be taught how to perform regular testicular self-examinations to detect any unusual lumps or changes early.
Summary of Key Points
- Cryptorchidism is when a baby boy is born with one or both testicles absent from the scrotum.
- In most cases, the testicles descend naturally by 4 months of age.
- If they have not descended by 4 months, surgery (orchiopexy) is necessary.
- The optimal age for this surgery is between 6 and 12 months.
- Early treatment is vital to prevent future complications like infertility and testicular cancer.
If you have any concerns about your newborn's development, consult your pediatrician or primary care doctor without delay.
` undescended testicles, testicular cancer, orchiopexy, surgery, newborn, pediatrician
