Has your son's testicles not descended? (Cryptorchidism) - Don't worry, let's talk about this.

When your little boy was born, did the doctor examine him and tell you that one or both of his testicles had not descended? It is very normal for a mother or father to feel a little scared and worried when hearing something like that. But don't worry. This is a common condition. Let's talk about this clearly and simply today.

Simply put, what is undescended testicles?

Okay, let's start at the beginning. When a baby boy is in the womb, his testicles (the organ most people call 'the balls') develop inside his belly. These testicles are what produce male hormones and sperm . Shortly before the baby is born, these two testicles move down from the belly and into a pouch of skin behind the penis. We call this the scrotum .

So, undescended testicles means that one or both testicles have not descended from the abdomen, that is, into the scrotum, either at birth or within the first few months after birth. In medical terms, we also call this condition Cryptorchidism .

Is this condition serious? How common is it?

This may sound scary, but it can only cause problems if left untreated. If left untreated, the boy's testosterone levels may decrease, which may affect his sperm health in the future. Also, whether treated or not, he may have a slightly higher risk of testicular cancer than other boys. However, early treatment can greatly reduce this risk.

It is so common that it affects about 3 out of 100 (3%) full-term male babies. However, it is even more common among premature babies. It can affect up to 30 out of 100 (30%) full-term male babies.

What are the symptoms of this? Why does this happen?

The main and only symptom is that one or both sides of the scrotum are empty. This means that one or both testicles cannot be felt inside the scrotum when touched. Other than that, there are usually no other symptoms. This does not cause any pain to the baby, and there is no difficulty in urinating .

Doctors are still not sure why this happens. It is believed that sometimes, a lack of testosterone hormones while the baby is developing in the womb can prevent the testicles from developing and descending.

What complications can occur if left untreated?

If the testicles are not descended, they are exposed to temperatures higher than the body's normal temperature. This can affect their function. Therefore, if left untreated for a long time, certain risks may arise. Let's look at the table below.

How is this condition diagnosed and treated?

This can be diagnosed during a physical examination by the doctor in the hospital immediately after the baby is born. The doctor will feel the scrotum to see if both testicles are present. If they are not present, this condition is suspected.

Usually, doctors wait until the baby is about 6 months old to see if the testicles descend on their own. If they don't, they will refer you to a pediatric urologist /surgeon. Sometimes a pelvic ultrasound scan may be done to find the exact location of the testicles.

Treatment method: Orchiopexy surgery

If the testicles have not descended by the time a baby is 6 months old, a surgical procedure called Orchiopexy is recommended. Doctors usually recommend this procedure when the baby is between 12 and 24 months old (two years old) .

What happens during this surgery is very simple:

1. The surgeon makes a very small incision in the groin area and locates the testicle inside the abdomen.

2. Then, another small incision is made in the scrotum, creating a small space to hold the testicle.

3. Finally, the testicle is carefully brought down, fixed inside the scrotum, and sutured.

Here are some other important things for you as parents to know:

Is it possible to have children if one testicle has not descended?

Yes, it is definitely possible. A man with only one undescended testicle has the same ability to have children (fertility) as a normal man, as the other healthy testicle produces enough sperm. If both testicles are undescended, fertility may be slightly reduced.

Can't you push the testicle down?

Absolutely not.Don't try to do that. It could harm the baby. This requires proper medical treatment.

What is the difference between Retractile Testicles and Undescended Testicles?

This is also important. Sometimes, in response to something like fear, cold, or touch, the testicles will pull up and then come back down. This is called Retractile Testicles . This is a normal thing that happens due to the action of a muscle. This condition goes away on its own when the boy reaches puberty. However, Undescended Testicles is a condition where the testicles never reach the scrotum. A doctor can tell the difference between these two by examining them.

When should you see a doctor?

• If your baby's testicles have not descended by the time they are 6 months old , be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
• After undergoing surgery, if you have the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately or go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) :
• Excessive bleeding from the surgical site.
• Signs of infection such as fever, chills, and skin discoloration.
• Unbearable severe pain in the groin area.