Why testicles descend

It may be caused by a reflex that causes a testicle to move up and down from the scrotum back into the groin retractile testes. In some cases, the testes are missing. In rare cases, a boy who has inguinal hernia repair may develop undescended testes. Symptoms can be a bit different in each child. Most children don't have symptoms when they have an undescended testicle. Your child's provider will examine your child's scrotum for testes at every well-child check.

In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI are needed to find the testicles within the pelvis. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. In many cases, the testes descend on their own into the scrotum by age 3 months.

In most cases, the testes pass down by age 6 months without any treatment. The undescended testicle may be moved into the scrotal sac with surgery. This surgery is called orchiopexy. It works for most children. Testicular torsion. Testicular torsion is the twisting of the spermatic cord, which contains blood vessels, nerves and the tube that carries semen from the testicle to the penis.

This painful condition cuts off blood to the testicle. If not treated promptly, this might result in the loss of the testicle. Testicular torsion occurs 10 times more often in undescended testicles than in normal testicles. Undescended testicle care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview An undescended testicle cryptorchidism is a testicle that hasn't moved into its proper position in the bag of skin hanging below the penis scrotum before birth. An undescended testicle is uncommon in general, but common among baby boys born prematurely. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed April 16, Cooper CS, et al.

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