TESTES, UNDESCENDED (Cryptorchidism) |
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TESTES, UNDESCENDED (Cryptorchidism)
DESCRIPTIONUndescended testes is a disorder present at birth in which one or both testicles have not descended from the pelvis into their normal position in the scrotum. The condition exists in 3% of full-term newborn males and 30% of premature newborn males. Most undescended testes descend spontaneously without treatment by age 1. One or both testes (the testicles), the scrotum, and the spermatic cord are involved.
Appropriate health care includes:
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
Surgery to move the testes into the scrotum.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
The boy's scrotum appears undeveloped on one or both sides.
The testicle can't be felt in its normal position in the scrotum.
CAUSES
Unknown, but probably related to a hormone deficiency in the mother or fetus.
RISK FACTORS
Unknown.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCENo specific preventive measures.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory blood studies of gonadotrophin (hormone) levels. Normal levels indicate normally functioning testes that are undescended. Abnormal levels indicate a congenital absence of testes.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Increased likelihood of testicular cancer.
Sterility, if your son's testes are not repositioned before puberty.
Psychological problems associated with an altered male self-image, if your son's problem is not corrected.
Lack of normal sexual development, if the boy's testes are not present.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Usually curable if treated before puberty with surgery or hormones.
TREATMENT
HOME CARESurgery is the only treatment for those boys who don't respond to hormone treatment. Surgery ideally should be performed at about age 5 and must be performed prior to puberty to preserve reproductive function.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe human chorionic gonadotrophins by injection. These are usually given 3 times a week for 4 to 6 weeks. This treatment causes your son's testes to descend normally in about 25% of cases.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes, during and after treatment or after recovery from surgery.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your son has undescended testes. Call as soon as you identify this abnormality.
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