Undescended Testicle: What to Know

Side view of a male's reproductive organs showing an undescended testicle.

An undescended testicle is when one or both of the testicles are not found in the scrotum. It's also called cryptorchidism.

Before birth, testicles form inside a baby's belly. Then, they move through a space between the groin muscles (inguinal canal) into the scrotum. But sometimes, the testicles don't move down from the belly or only move down part of the way.

In most cases, undescended testicles will move down within the first 6 months after birth. If they don't, they need to be treated.

Treatment should be done before the body starts to make sperm. It can help lower the chance of cancer and problems making sperm. Often, it's done when a child is between 6 and 12 months of age.

What are the causes?

The exact cause isn't known. Causes may include:

Problems with hormones.
A problem that blocks the testicles from dropping into the scrotum.
Problems with the muscles or structures in the testicles.

What increases the risk?

Babies who are born early are most at risk. Other risk factors may include:

Low birth weight.
Cerebral palsy.
Certain syndromes caused by a gene difference. These include:
- Down syndrome.
- Noonan syndrome.
- Prune-belly syndrome.
Being born bottom-first. This is called the breech position.
A family history of undescended testicles.
Disorders that affect the brain or spinal cord.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The main symptom is not feeling or seeing a testicle where it should be.

How is this diagnosed?

An undescended testicle is diagnosed with an exam. During the exam, a health care provider checks to see if the testicle is still in the belly.

If the testicle isn't felt during the exam, a procedure called a laparoscopy may be done.

A small cut is made, and a thin tube is used to look inside the belly.
This checks where the testicle is or if there's a testicle at all.

How is this treated?

In children, surgery may be done to move the testicle down into the scrotum.
In adults, the undescended testicle may be taken out. It's not likely to make sperm.

Follow these instructions at home:

Watch the scrotum for any changes.
Keep all follow-up visits. The provider will check for any changes in the testicle.

Get help right away if:

The scrotum:
- Swells.
- Changes color.
- Looks bruised.
There's very bad pain near the scrotum.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.