What is undescended testis?

Cryptorchidism, also referred to as undescended testis in medical terms, is a condition characterised by the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotum before birth. During foetal development, the testes form within the abdomen and gradually descend into the scrotum through a passage called the inguinal canal. However, in cases of undescended testis, this descent does not occur, and the testicle remains in the abdomen or along the path of the descent.

What are the symptoms of undescended testis?

The primary indication of the undescended testis is the absence of one or both testicles within the scrotum. In some cases, the undescended testis may be palpable in the groin or the lower abdomen. However, the testicle may also be located in less common places, such as the inguinal canal or the perineum.

It is worth mentioning that undescended testis may be linked to other conditions, such as inguinal hernia or disorders affecting sexual development. Consequently, seeking consultation with a healthcare professional is vital for accurate diagnosis and comprehensive assessment.

What causes undescended testis?

The precise cause of undescended testis is not completely understood, although several factors are believed to contribute to the condition. Hormonal imbalances during foetal development can affect the process of testicular descent. Additionally, genetic factors and abnormalities in the anatomy of the inguinal canal or scrotum may play a role.

Undescended testis is more prevalent in premature infants when compared to full-term infants. Approximately 3% to 5% of male infants born at full-term experience this condition, while the occurrence rises to as high as 30% in premature male infants.

How are undescended testis treated?

The primary goal of treating undescended testis is to ensure proper testicular development and function while reducing the risk of complications. The chosen course of treatment can be influenced by factors like the person's age and the positioning of the undescended testis.

In some cases, the testicle may descend naturally within the first few months of life. Routine follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are crucial to track the progress and assess the necessity of any further interventions.

If the testicle fails to descend naturally, treatment options may involve hormonal therapy or surgical intervention. Hormonal therapy involves the administration of hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), to stimulate testicular descent. This approach is most effective when performed during the first six months of life.

Surgical intervention, known as orchiopexy, is often recommended if the testicle does not descend with hormonal therapy or if the child is older. Orchiopexy involves surgically moving the testicle into the scrotum and securing it in place. The surgery is commonly conducted on an outpatient basis and boasts a high success rate.