You’re dealing with an undescended testicle, a condition where one or both testicles fail to move into the scrotum by birth — and it’s more common than you think, affecting about 3–4% of newborn boys. Often, the testicle will descend on its own within the first few months, but if not, you may need to explore treatment options like surgery or hormonal therapy with your doctor. As you navigate this journey, you’ll want to understand the causes, symptoms, and best course of action.
Overview
As you’re reading this, you may be worried about your child’s health, or perhaps you’re concerned about your own — and for good reason.
An undescended testicle is a common condition where one or both testicles fail to drop into the scrotum during fetal development or early childhood. Undescended testicles affect about 3–4% of baby boys, often resolving on their own within the first few months.
Or, you may be an adult with an undiagnosed case, which may require hormonal therapy.
Fortunately, diagnostic methods have improved, enabling doctors to assess the condition and provide the best course of treatment to prevent complications and promote testicular health.
Understanding this condition can give you peace of mind and guide your next steps. The providers at PromiseCare in Hemet, California are here to help you through every stage of that process.
Symptoms
You’ve likely been wondering how to identify an undescended testicle, especially if you’re a concerned parent or someone who’s questioning your own symptoms.
The good news is that identifying an undescended testicle is relatively straightforward. During a physical examination, your doctor will gently feel the scrotum to check if both testicles are in place. If one or both testicles cannot be felt, further investigation may be needed.
Diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound, may be used to confirm the diagnosis. If you notice any unusual characteristics — such as unevenness or swelling in the scrotum or groin area — do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Early detection is key, and discussing any concerns with a medical professional can provide the reassurance you need.
Causes
You’re probably wondering why a testicle might not descend in the first place.
Certain risk factors, such as premature birth or a family history of undescended testicles, can significantly increase the likelihood of this condition.
Understanding these risk factors and potential complications can help you better navigate a diagnosis and any necessary treatment.
Risk factors
While the exact cause of an undescended testicle is often unclear, certain factors can increase the risk.
The condition is more likely to occur when there is a family history, suggesting genetic factors are at play. Having a father or brother with an undescended testicle increases risk, as does being born prematurely or having a low birth weight.
Environmental influences also appear to contribute, particularly exposure to certain chemicals during fetal development. Other genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, and maternal exposure to certain pesticides during pregnancy are also associated with higher risk.
It is important to talk to your PromiseCare doctor if you are concerned about risk factors or have a family history of the condition.
Complications
Because an undescended testicle can have far-reaching consequences, understanding the potential complications is vital.
One of the primary concerns involves fertility issues. Men with a history of undescended testicles are more likely to experience low sperm counts, poor sperm motility, and other fertility problems.
Additionally, the psychological effects of this condition should not be underestimated. Feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, or insecurity about the body can affect self-esteem and relationships.
In rare cases, undescended testicles can also increase the risk of testicular cancer. It is important to discuss these potential complications with your doctor to ensure proper treatment and support.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing an undescended testicle typically begins with a physical examination by a pediatrician or a specialist, such as a urologist or a pediatric surgeon.
The doctor will gently feel the child’s abdomen, groin area, and scrotum for any signs of the undescended testicle, and may also check for signs of other conditions that could affect testicular development.
If the testicle cannot be felt during the physical examination, an ultrasound evaluation may be ordered to confirm its presence and location. This imaging test uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the testicle and surrounding tissues.
Based on these results, your child’s doctor will discuss the best course of action to manage the condition.
Treatment
Your child’s diagnosis is the first step toward addressing the undescended testicle, and it provides the foundation for what comes next: deciding on a course of treatment.
With a confirmed diagnosis, you can begin discussing options with your PromiseCare provider. While surgery is a common approach, you may be wondering whether non-surgical options are viable.
Hormonal therapy has been explored as an alternative. However, it is important to note that hormonal therapy is not a widely recommended treatment for undescended testicles, due to limited effectiveness and potential side effects.
Your doctor will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and determine the best course of action for your child, focusing on their unique needs and ensuring their safety throughout the process.
Medications
Because surgery often is not the only approach evaluated for treating an undescended testicle, you may be wondering whether medications can play a role in your child’s treatment plan.
Medication options for undescended testicles typically focus on hormonal treatment, which involves stimulating the testicles to move into their proper position. This approach is usually considered for infants and young children.
Some key points to consider:
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that can stimulate the testicles to move down into the scrotum.
- Treatment with hCG has limited success rates and is not widely used.
- Administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone may also stimulate the testicles to descend, but research on its effectiveness remains limited.
Surgery
Surgery offers a more effective and widely accepted approach to treating an undescended testicle, especially when hormonal treatments are not viable or have not worked.
The most common procedure is orchiopexy, in which a surgeon carefully moves the undescended testicle into the scrotum and stitches it in place.
Your PromiseCare surgeon will discuss the best surgical approach for your specific situation, taking into account age, overall health, and the position of the undescended testicle.
After surgery, the recovery process typically involves managing pain with medication, resting, and avoiding strenuous activities. Your surgeon will closely monitor progress and address any concerns or complications.
With successful surgery, you can reduce the potential risks associated with undescended testicles and support long-term testicular health.
Lifestyle and home remedies
While medical treatments like surgery are often necessary to correct an undescended testicle, making healthy lifestyle choices can also play an important role in overall well-being and testicular health.
Incorporating a few key changes into your daily routine can help promote testicular health and reduce the risk of complications.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support overall health and well-being.
- Establish an exercise routine that includes regular physical activity, such as walking or jogging, to help improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of conditions that may worsen testicular problems.
Preparing for your appointment
Alongside making healthy lifestyle choices, being well prepared for your upcoming appointment at PromiseCare can make a meaningful difference in the quality of your care.
Creating an appointment checklist will help ensure you are organized and make the most of your time with your doctor. Write down your symptoms, including when they started and how long they have lasted. Note any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
Consider bringing a family member or friend for support. Familiarizing yourself with patient expectations — such as undergoing a physical exam or discussing your medical history — can also help ease anxiety and help you feel more in control of your care.
What you can do
Because an undescended testicle requires medical attention, taking proactive steps to support your overall health can make a significant difference in treatment and recovery.
You can play an active role in managing this condition by:
- Learning self-examination techniques to monitor the testicles and identify any changes or abnormalities
- Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle to reduce the risk of complications
- Seeking emotional support from friends, family, or a support group to help cope with the emotional aspects of the condition
When to see a doctor
You will likely start with a consultation and physical exam, so your doctor can assess your overall health and determine the best course of action for the undescended testicle.
Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, perform an examination of the groin and abdomen to locate the testicle, and check for any signs of related health issues. They will then discuss their findings and guide you through the next steps in evaluating and potentially treating the condition.
What to expect from your doctor
If you suspect that you or your child has an undescended testicle, it is important to consult a doctor promptly. At PromiseCare, your provider will assess the condition and offer guidance on the best course of action.
You can expect the following from your doctor:
- A thorough physical examination to confirm the diagnosis
- Discussion of treatment options, such as hormone therapy or surgery, to bring the testicle down into the scrotum
- Advice on how to monitor the condition and prevent potential complications, such as testicular cancer or infertility
Your doctor will work with you to determine the most effective treatment plan and address any concerns you may have. Do not hesitate to ask questions or seek a second opinion if needed.