Undescended Testicle

Undescended testicle, also known as cryptorchidism, is a common condition in which one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum, the sac-like structure that holds the testicles. This article provides a straightforward explanation of what undescended testicles are, their types, causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and medications.

Types of Undescended Testicle

Undescended testicles can be categorized into two main types:

  1. Unilateral: Only one testicle is affected and hasn’t descended into the scrotum.
  2. Bilateral: Both testicles are affected and remain undescended.

Common Causes of Undescended Testicles

Several factors can contribute to undescended testicles, including:

  1. Premature Birth: Babies born prematurely are more likely to have undescended testicles.
  2. Hormonal Imbalance: Disruptions in hormone production can affect testicular descent.
  3. Genetic Factors: A family history of cryptorchidism can increase the risk.
  4. Abnormal Testicular Development: Testicles may not develop properly before birth.
  5. Maternal Smoking: Smoking during pregnancy can elevate the risk.
  6. Low Birth Weight: Babies with lower birth weights are at a higher risk.
  7. Multiples: Twins or triplets may have a higher chance of undescended testicles.
  8. Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions can impact testicular descent.
  9. Environmental Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy can be a contributing factor.
  10. Mother’s Age: Older mothers may have a slightly increased risk.
  11. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Excessive maternal alcohol consumption can be a factor.
  12. Hormonal Medications: Some medications taken during pregnancy can affect testicular descent.
  13. Obesity: Babies born to obese mothers may have a slightly higher risk.
  14. Pregnancy Complications: Conditions like placenta previa can play a role.
  15. Infection during Pregnancy: Certain infections can increase the risk.
  16. Maternal Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy can be a factor.
  17. Exposure to Radiation: Prenatal exposure to radiation may increase the risk.
  18. Abnormal Testicular Blood Flow: Issues with blood flow can impact descent.
  19. Testicular Torsion: A twist in the spermatic cord can affect testicle positioning.
  20. Anomalies in the Inguinal Canal: Abnormalities in the inguinal canal can hinder descent.

Symptoms of Undescended Testicles

Undescended testicles may not always present obvious symptoms, but some signs to watch for include:

  1. Empty Scrotum: The scrotum may appear smaller or emptier on one side.
  2. Palpable Testicle: In some cases, the undescended testicle can be felt in the groin area.
  3. Pain or Discomfort: Older boys or men may experience discomfort in the groin.

Diagnostic Tests for Undescended Testicles

Diagnosing undescended testicles typically involves the following tests:

  1. Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to assess the scrotum and groin.
  2. Ultrasound: An ultrasound scan may be used to locate the undescended testicle.
  3. Laparoscopy: In some cases, laparoscopy is performed to visually inspect the abdominal area.
  4. Blood Tests: Hormone levels may be checked to assess testicular function.

Treatment Options for Undescended Testicles

The primary goal of treating undescended testicles is to bring the testicle(s) into the scrotum. Treatment options include:

  1. Hormone Therapy: Hormone injections can stimulate testicular descent.
  2. Orchiopexy: Surgery is often required to reposition the testicle into the scrotum.
  3. Frequent Monitoring: In some cases, a “wait-and-see” approach may be taken for infants.
  4. Testicular Prosthetics: In cases of absent or atrophic testicles, prosthetic implants can be considered.

Medications for Undescended Testicles

Medications are not typically used to treat undescended testicles directly. However, hormone therapy may involve the use of certain medications to stimulate testicular descent. These medications include:

  1. hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin): Stimulates testosterone production to aid in descent.
  2. GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone): Can help trigger testicular descent.

In summary, undescended testicles are a common condition with various causes, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment options. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to ensure proper testicular development and long-term health. If you suspect that you or your child may have undescended testicles, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

  1. https://medlineplus.gov/skinconditions.html
  2. https://www.aad.org/about/burden-of-skin-disease
  3. https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/national-institute-of-arthritis-musculoskeletal-and-skin-diseases
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/default.html
  5. https://www.skincancer.org/
  6. https://illnesshacker.com/
  7. https://endinglines.com/
  8. https://www.jaad.org/
  9. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
  10. https://books.google.com/books?
  11. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/skin-diseases
  12. https://cms.centerwatch.com/directories/1067-fda-approved-drugs/topic/292-skin-infections-disorders
  13. https://www.fda.gov/files/drugs/published/Acute-Bacterial-Skin-and-Skin-Structure-Infections—Developing-Drugs-for-Treatment.pdf
  14. https://dermnetnz.org/topics
  15. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/skin-allergy
  16. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/occupational-skin-disease
  17. https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/skin-allergies/
  18. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  19. https://rxharun.com/rxharun/rxharun/article-types/skin-care-beauty/skin-diseases-types-symptoms-treatment/
  20. https://www.nei.nih.gov/
  21. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_skin_conditions
  22. https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=List_of_skin_diseases&redirect=no
  23. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_condition
  24. https://oxfordtreatment.com/
  25. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/
  26. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/w
  27. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health
  28. https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/
  29. https://www.aarda.org/diseaselist/
  30. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets
  31. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  32. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics
  33. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  34. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics
  35. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  36. https://www.niehs.nih.gov
  37. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/
  38. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics
  39. https://obssr.od.nih.gov/
  40. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics
  41. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  42. https://beta.rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  43. https://orwh.od.nih.gov/

References