Undescended Testes
Overview
Causes
It is not always known why this happens. It is thought to be a problem with the way the testicles develop.
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Low birth weight
- Being born too early
- A family history of undescended testicles
- Klinefelter syndrome or other chromosomal problems
- Factors in the mother during pregnancy, such as:
- Cigarette smoking
- Gestational diabetes mellitus
- High levels of alpha-fetoprotein
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Treatments
Treatment
Treatment is needed to avoid problems, such as infertility and testicular cancer.
Choices are:
- Waiting for the testicle to descend on its own
- Surgery to move the testicle down and stitch it into place
- Hormone therapy (not common)
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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