🩺 Undescended Testicles in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment | Dr. Reda El-Kady
If you notice that one or both of your child's testicles are not inside the scrotum, the condition may be related to undescended testicles, also known as cryptorchidism. This condition requires medical evaluation to determine the position of the testicle and whether it may descend naturally during the first few months of life or require treatment.
Early diagnosis is important to help protect testicular health and reduce the risk of future fertility problems. If you are looking for information about undescended testicles in children, you can contact Dr. Reda El-Kady to inquire about a medical assessment.
📞 Contact us via WhatsApp to book an appointment or ask about consultation details.
Phone and WhatsApp: 01004438929 – 01144821789
🔎 What Are Undescended Testicles in Children?
The testicles are responsible for producing sperm and male hormones. Normally, they are located inside the scrotum, the skin sac beneath the penis.
During fetal development, the testicles form inside the abdomen and gradually move downward into the scrotum. In most cases, this process is completed before birth. However, one or both testicles may stop before reaching their normal position. This condition is known as undescended testicles.
An undescended testicle may be located in the groin or inside the abdomen, so its position can vary from one child to another. It is also important to distinguish an undescended testicle from a retractile testicle, which can move into the scrotum but may rise again because of a muscular reflex.
A medical examination helps determine the type of condition and the position of the testicle, as management depends on these findings.
⚠️ What Are the Symptoms of Undescended Testicles?
Undescended testicles usually do not cause noticeable pain. Parents may discover the condition while changing their baby's clothes or bathing the child, or it may be identified during a routine newborn examination.
Possible signs include:
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One testicle is not visible or palpable inside the scrotum.
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Only one testicle appears to be inside the scrotum.
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Neither testicle is present in the scrotum.
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The scrotum appears less developed or less full on one side.
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A testicle seems to move upward and does not remain in its normal position.
These signs alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. A medical examination is necessary to distinguish an undescended testicle from a retractile testicle or another condition.
If you notice any of these signs, arrange a medical assessment and do not attempt to pull the testicle down or move it forcefully.
👶 What Causes Undescended Testicles in Children?
There is no single known cause for every case of undescended testicles. The process of testicular descent during fetal development involves several anatomical, hormonal, and developmental factors.
The likelihood of this condition may be higher in some children, particularly in the following circumstances:
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Premature birth: Undescended testicles are more common in babies born prematurely.
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Low birth weight: Low birth weight may be associated with an increased likelihood of the condition.
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Family history: Genetic or family-related factors may contribute to the risk.
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Factors affecting fetal development: Some factors related to the development of the fetus may influence the descent of the testicles.
Having one of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that a child will develop the condition. Undescended testicles also do not mean that the parents did anything wrong during pregnancy or childcare.
🩺 When Should a Child Be Examined for Undescended Testicles?
The position of the testicles is usually checked during newborn examinations and routine pediatric visits.
Some undescended testicles may descend naturally during the first few months after birth. However, spontaneous descent becomes much less likely after six months of age, taking corrected age into account for babies born prematurely.
If the testicle remains outside the scrotum after six months, a specialist assessment is important to determine the appropriate next step. Earlier assessment may be necessary if neither testicle can be felt inside the scrotum.
Parents should not wait until the child is older in the hope that the condition will resolve on its own. Identifying the appropriate treatment window is an important part of care.
🔍 How Are Undescended Testicles Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is mainly based on the child's medical history and a careful physical examination.
📋 Medical History
The doctor may ask about the child's age at birth, whether the baby was born prematurely, whether the testicles were previously observed inside the scrotum, and other details that may help assess the condition.
🩺 Physical Examination
The doctor examines the scrotum and surrounding area to determine whether the testicle can be felt and where it may be located. The examination also helps assess whether the testicle can move into the scrotum and remain there.
🩻 Does the Child Need Imaging?
Not every child with an undescended testicle needs an ultrasound scan. In many cases, ultrasound does not provide enough additional information to accurately locate the testicle. The doctor determines whether further investigations are necessary based on the examination and the individual circumstances.
🔧 What Are the Treatment Options for Undescended Testicles?
Treatment depends on the child's age, the position of the testicle, and the results of the medical examination.
Observation During the First Few Months
A doctor may recommend monitoring the child during the first few months of life because some undescended testicles descend naturally. However, if the testicle remains undescended after six months, further assessment is important.
Orchiopexy: Surgery to Move the Testicle Into the Scrotum
If the testicle does not descend naturally, the doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called orchiopexy. The purpose of this operation is to move the testicle into the scrotum and secure it in an appropriate position.
The details of the procedure depend on the testicle's location. Surgery may involve an incision in the groin or scrotum. If the testicle cannot be felt during the examination, further specialist assessment may be needed, and laparoscopy may be used in some cases to identify its location.
Surgery is generally recommended before 12 months of age and by 18 months at the latest when spontaneous descent has not occurred, in accordance with specialist guidelines. The doctor determines the appropriate timing and technique for each child.
Can Undescended Testicles Be Treated With Medication?
Hormonal treatment is not routinely recommended as the sole method for bringing an undescended testicle into the scrotum because its effectiveness is limited and it is not a reliable substitute for surgery when surgery is indicated.
Management decisions may vary in selected circumstances, so the appropriate treatment should be determined by a specialist after examining the child.
Parents should never give their child hormones or other medication without a medical prescription and supervision.
🎯 Why Is Early Treatment Important?
Untreated undescended testicles may be associated with problems affecting testicular development and function. The condition can also affect future fertility, particularly when both testicles are undescended.
Having a testicle outside the scrotum is also associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer later in life. Early treatment may help reduce some risks, although it does not eliminate them completely. Follow-up may therefore remain important after treatment.
This is why early assessment and following the doctor's recommendations are important, rather than waiting for additional symptoms to appear.
❓ Can Undescended Testicles Affect Future Fertility?
Undescended testicles may affect future fertility, but this does not mean that every child with the condition will experience infertility.
The potential effect depends on several factors, including whether one or both testicles are undescended, the location of the testicle, how long treatment is delayed, and other aspects of the child's health.
Appropriate treatment at the recommended time may help preserve testicular function, particularly when the condition is managed according to medical guidance. An examination should not be postponed simply because the child has no pain or obvious symptoms.
👨⚕️ Dr. Reda El-Kady for Evaluation of Undescended Testicles in Children
If you notice that one of your child's testicles is not inside the scrotum, or you have concerns about the position of either testicle, a medical evaluation is important to determine the nature of the condition and the appropriate next steps.
You can contact Dr. Reda El-Kady to inquire about booking an appointment and having your child assessed. The examination can help determine whether observation or treatment may be appropriate based on the findings.
📞 Phone and WhatsApp:
📍 Dr. Reda El-Kady's Address in Dokki, Giza
📍 Address:
18 El-Thawra Street, Dokki, Giza Governorate, Egypt.
Please contact the clinic before visiting to inquire about available appointments and booking details.
📞 Book an Appointment for Undescended Testicles in Children
If you suspect that your child has an undescended testicle, arrange a medical examination even if the child does not experience pain. Early assessment helps identify the position of the testicle and determine the appropriate timing of treatment, if needed.
Contact us via WhatsApp to book an appointment or inquire about an assessment with Dr. Reda El-Kady.
📱 Phone and WhatsApp: 01004438929 – 01144821789
📍 Address: 18 El-Thawra Street, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace a medical examination. Undescended testicles vary from child to child, and the appropriate treatment and timing depend on the child's age and examination findings.
