Undescended Testicles
Access exceptional care for undescended testicles at Montefiore Einstein Urology at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM). As a leader in Urology, we are an academic-based referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research, and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.
Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists is passionate about uncovering diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate research-based treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. We are committed to ensuring your child will receive the best patient- and family-centered care in a supportive and nurturing environment.
When you want only the best for your child, turn to our dedicated providers who will develop a highly personalized treatment plan.
Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from Healthwise’s health information library.
What Are Undescended Testicles?
Undescended testicles, also known as cryptorchidism, is a condition in which one or both testicles fail to move into their proper position in the scrotum before birth. This condition is most commonly seen in premature infants and affects approximately 1-3% of full-term male newborns. Typically, testicles descend into the scrotum during the late stages of pregnancy. If the condition does not resolve naturally within the first few months after birth, medical evaluation and potential intervention are necessary to prevent complications later in life.
Causes of Undescended Testicles
The exact cause of undescended testicles is unknown. Possible contributing factors include genetic influences, hormonal imbalances, or anatomical abnormalities during fetal development. Environmental factors may also play a role in some cases.
Signs & Symptoms of Undescended Testicles
The primary sign of undescended testicles is the inability to see or feel one or both testicles in the scrotum during a physical examination. The scrotum may appear smaller or less developed on the affected side.
Diagnosing Undescended Testicles
Undescended testicles are typically identified during a newborn’s physical examination. If the condition persists, the patient is reexamined between three and six months of age to determine whether the testicles have descended naturally. For cases in which the testicles are too small to detect or are located in the abdomen, a diagnostic laparoscopy may be recommended. This minimally invasive procedure allows the physician to identify the testicle’s position and assess its condition.
Treating Undescended Testicles
For testicles that do not descend naturally by six months of age, surgical intervention is often recommended. A procedure called orchiopexy is performed to move the testicles into their proper position in the scrotum. This surgery is typically done between six months and one year of age to reduce the risk of complications such as impaired fertility or testicular cancer later in life.