How do I know if I have an undescended testicle?
Most doctors agree that moving the testicle into the scrotum in an adult male under the age of 40 will not improve its ability to produce sperm and usually recommend that the testicle be surgically removed. After the age of 40, most doctors recommend that the testicle is left alone. Any adult male with an undescended testicle should consult a urologist to discuss the best course of …
Is surgery necessary for an undescended testicle?
Most doctors agree that moving the testicle into the scrotum in an adult male under the age of 40 will not improve its ability to produce sperm and usually recommend that the testicle be surgically removed. After the age of 40, most doctors recommend that the testicle is left alone. Any adult male with an undescended testicle should consult a urologist to discuss the best course of …
What to expect after undescended testicle surgery?
Undescended testicle treatment options include: Hormone therapy: In rare cases — especially when the testicles are near the scrotum — your healthcare provider may... Surgery: Surgery is the most common, and effective, treatment for undescended testicles. The procedure to …
What is the treatment for undescended testes?
This fact, together with the risk of malignancy in those testes in which germ cells are present, suggests that orchiectomy should be performed in unilateral cases. Testicular biopsy is essential if an undescended testis is to be preserved for androgenic function.
How do you treat an undescended testicle in adults?
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Surgery
- Physical exams.
- Ultrasound exams of the scrotum.
- Tests of hormone levels.
Can cryptorchidism be corrected in adults?
Can an adult have an undescended testicle?
What happens if cryptorchidism is not treated?
Should an undescended testicle be removed?
What happens if a man has only one testicle?
How serious is an undescended testicle?
How long is surgery for undescended testicle?
How much does orchiopexy surgery cost?
When should a patient with cryptorchidism be referred to urology?
What kind of doctor treats testicular problems?
Is cryptorchidism painful?
What is the treatment for undescended testicles?
The hormones encourage the testicles to drop into the scrotum. Surgery: Surgery is the most common, and effective, treatment for undescended testicles. The procedure to move testicles down into the scrotum is called orchiopexy.
Can testicles cause infertility?
This can lead to infertility later in life. Males born with undescended testicles also have a higher risk of testicular cancer in adulthood. If the testicles are in the abdomen and not down in the scrotum, this can make it more difficult to diagnose and treat.
What happens to the testicles after puberty?
What are the complications of undescended testicles? After a boy goes through puberty, the testicles start producing sperm. To make healthy sperm, the testicles need to be two to three degrees cooler than the body’s core temperature. That’s why the testicles hang below the body, inside the scrotum.
How do boys get sperm?
After a boy goes through puberty, the testicles start producing sperm. To make healthy sperm, the testicles need to be two to three degrees cooler than the body’s core temperature. That’s why the testicles hang below the body, inside the scrotum.
Hormone Treatment of Undescended Testicles
While a male fetus is still in the womb, hormones such as testosterone send a signal to the testicles to move from the abdomen—where they develop—to the scrotum. After birth, if the testicles have not descended, hormones (such as hCG or LH-releasing hormone) can be injected into one of the infant's muscles, often the buttocks.
Surgery for Undescended Testes
Surgery for an undescended testicle (orchiopexy) requires a surgeon to make an incision in the groin, then manually move the testicle into the scrotum. This procedure is successful in most (up to 98 percent) infant patients.
Prognosis Following Treatment for Undescended Testes
Fewer than 20 out of 100 infant males have complete testicle descent with hormone therapy alone. If the testicle initially rested in a high position (either the abdomen or within the muscles of the abdominal wall), approximately 15 out of 100 boys who have been treated with hormones will have a recurrence.
What is an undescended testicle?
An undescended testicle, also called cryptorchidism, is a testicle that has not moved down into the scrotum. Early in pregnancy, the testicles begin developing deep within the abdomen, influenced by several hormones. At 32 to 36 weeks' gestation, the testicles begin to descend into the scrotum. In 30% of premature and approximately 3% ...
When do testicles descend?
At 32 to 36 weeks' gestation , the testicles begin to descend into the scrotum. In 30% of premature and approximately 3% of full-term male infants, one or both of the testicles have not completed their descent at the time of birth. Most of these will then descend spontaneously during the first three to six months of life.
What causes vanishing testicle?
17, 18 The vanishing testicle is thought to be caused by intrauterine testicular torsion.
How many babies have undescended testicles?
Most undescended testicles are present at birth. Up to one third of premature male newborns are born with an undescended testicle, and 3 to 5 percent of term male infants are affected. 12 By three months of age, the incidence is reduced to 0.8 percent; between three months of age and adulthood, the incidence does not change. 13 Watchful waiting is not an option because true undescended testicles rarely descend spontaneously after three months of age. A proposed algorithm for the management of newborns with cryptorchidism, including suggestions on when to refer patients to a pediatric urologist, is presented in Figure 1.
What is an inguinal orchiopexy?
The inguinal orchiopexy is a well-established operation for the palpable undescended testicle. 28 Postoperative management of the condition is fairly straightforward. To prevent dislodgment of the testis from the scrotum, the use of toys that must be straddled, such as bicycles, should be avoided for two weeks. Sports activities should also be limited in the older child.
Can UDT be detected late?
In developing countries, it is not unusual for patients with undescended testes (UDT) to present in adulthood and the late detection of UDT can be problematic. The limited contribution to fertility and increased potential of malignancy seen in UDT have swayed many authors towards recommending orchidectomy, rather than orchidopexy, for the adult patient presenting with cryptorchidism. With conflicting data, and most guidelines aimed at first world countries with pre-pubertal patients as their focus group, a lot of uncertainty exists regarding the management of adults who present with cryptorchidism. This may result in variation in the approach to management of this patient population.
What is the most common malformation of sexual development?
Cryptorchidism is the most common malformation of male sexual development, with an overall prevalence rate of 3% in full-term newborn males. Most palpable UDT spontaneously descends within the first months of life, decreasing the prevalence to 1–2% for boys aged 6 months to one year [ 1, 2, 7, 14, 17 ]. The right side is affected more often than the left, occurring in 70% of cases. The majority of cases present with a palpable UDT, non-palpable testes accounting for approximately 20% of all cases [ 2 ]. This tendency was similarly reflected in the patient population of this study with right UDT occurring in 62% of cases, and no palpable testes were found in 29.8% of cases.
What is the S12/04/089?
The Human Research Ethics Committee reviewed the protocol, including the methodology and statistical methods to be employed, and approval was obtained under the number S12/04/089. This was a retrospective review and consent was waivered.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- The goal of treatment is to move the undescended testicle to its proper location in the scrotum. Treatment before 1 year of age might lower the risk of complications of an undescended testicle, such as infertility and testicular cancer. Earlier is better, but it's recommended that surgery takes place before the child is 18 months old.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Even after corrective surgery, it's important to check the condition of the testicles to ensure they develop normally. You can help your son by being aware of the development of his body. Check the position of his testicles regularly during diaper changes and baths. When your son is about to reach puberty and you're talking about what physical changes to expect, explain how he can che…
Coping and Support
- If your son doesn't have one or both testicles, he might be sensitive about his appearance. He might have anxieties about looking different from friends or classmates, especially if he has to undress in front of others in a locker room. The following strategies might help him cope: 1. Teach your son the right words to use when talking about the scrotum and testicles. 2. Explain that the…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- An undescended testicle is usually detected at birth. Your family doctor or pediatrician will continue to monitor the condition during regularly scheduled exams, or well-baby visits, for your infant son. To prepare for your appointment, write down a list of questions to discuss with the doctor. Questions might include: 1. How often should I schedule appointments? 2. How can I saf…