Undescended Testis: What Parents Need to Know

The birth of a child brings joy, but it can also come with concerns when something doesn’t seem quite right. One such concern for parents of newborn boys is an undescended testis, also known as cryptorchidism, a condition where one or both testicles are not found in the scrotum at birth. While it may sound alarming at first, this condition is not uncommon, and with timely care, it can be effectively treated.

What Is an Undescended Testis?

In most male infants, the testicles develop inside the abdomen during pregnancy and move down into the scrotum shortly before birth. However, in some cases, one or both testicles fail to complete this descent. This is what doctors refer to as an undescended testis.This condition is usually noticed soon after birth during a routine examination. Sometimes, the testicle may be located along the path of descent (such as in the groin) but hasn’t yet reached the scrotum.

How Common Is It?

Undescended testis affects approximately 3% of full-term male infants. It’s even more common in premature babies. The good news is that in many cases, the testicle descends on its own within the first few months of life — especially by the time the child is six months old. If that doesn’t happen, medical intervention may be recommended.

Is It Serious?

If left untreated, an undescended testicle can lead to certain complications later in life, including:

Fertility issues: Proper sperm production requires a cooler temperature than the body’s core. A testis inside the abdomen is exposed to higher temperatures, potentially affecting future fertility.
Increased risk of testicular cancer: Though the risk remains low, it is higher compared to boys whose testicles have descended normally.
Hernias and twisting of the testis (torsion): These conditions are more likely when the testicle isn't in its correct position.
Psychological concerns: As the child grows, the absence of a testicle in the scrotum may lead to self-consciousness, especially during adolescence.

Causes of Undescended Testis

The exact cause of an undescended testis isn’t always clear. However, several factors may contribute:

In some cases, the testis may have been present at birth but later moves up into the groin — a condition known as retractile testis, which is different and often doesn’t require surgery.

How is an Undescended Testicle Treated?

If the testis has not descended by the age of 6 months, surgical treatment is usually advised, ideally before 18 months of age. The earlier the correction, the better the outcomes for fertility and testicular health.

Surgery: Orchidopexy

The most common treatment is orchidopexy — a surgical procedure where the testis is located, gently moved, and fixed into the scrotum. It is typically done as a day-care procedure under general anesthesia and has a high success rate. There are two approaches:

Recovery is generally quick, and children can return to normal activities within a few days. Regular follow-up is important to ensure the testis remains in place and is developing normally. In some rare cases, if the testis is not functional or severely underdeveloped, it may need to be removed, especially if there’s a risk of cancer. In older boys or adolescents, a testicular prosthesis can be considered for cosmetic and psychological reasons.

Conclusion

An undescended testis is a manageable condition when identified and treated at the right time. As a parent, it’s natural to worry but with the right guidance and timely intervention, your child can lead a healthy, active life without long-term complications. Surgery for this condition is safe, effective, and offers excellent results when done by a trained pediatric surgeon. The most important step is not to delay evaluation beyond the age of 6 months if the testis hasn’t descended on its own.

If you’ve noticed that your baby boy’s scrotum seems empty or uneven, don’t hesitate to seek a medical opinion. Dr. Saurabh Garge, Leading Pediatric Surgeon at Sukriti Clinic, brings years of experience and compassionate care to every child he treats. With a gentle, child-friendly approach and expertise in minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Saurabh, Best Pediatric Urologist, ensures your child receives the best possible care in a safe and supportive environment.