Undescended testicles
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism
A common childhood condition where a boy's testicles do not descend into the scrotum
About undescended testicles
When in the womb, a baby boy's testes (testicles) will form inside his abdomen. They usually move down into the scrotum by 35 weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes one of the testes, or occasionally both, does not descend and remains in the abdomen. This usually corrects itself within three to six months after birth, but may need treatment otherwise.
Need to know
-
Symptoms of undescended testes icon plus
There are likely to be no symptoms at all beyond the lack of one testicle or both testicles in the scrotum. -
Diagnosis icon plus
Your consultant will carry out an examination of your child to determine if one of the testes is undescended (unilateral cryptorchidism) or both are (bilateral cryptorchidism). This will be checked though a physical assessment of the scrotum and the abdomen, which can also ensure they've not temporarily retracted into the abdomen. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
If both testicles remain undescended, your consultant may suspect it's down to hormones. In that case, they may prescribe a course of hormonal treatment. Otherwise, they'll recommend a quick operation called an orchidopexy to bring down the testicle into the scrotum. This is because if the testicle remains in the abdomen, it may not form properly. The procedure is usually advised when the child is around one year old. If an undescended testicle is found to be too underdeveloped, your consultant may remove it. If the condition is treated early, there is often no long-term issue with fertility.
Our consultants
We're proud to work with leading experts across a range of medical fields, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.
Our locations
From complex urological surgery to childhood urological procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
-
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
-
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
-
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
-
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
-
The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
-
HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.