What are Undescended Testis?
Undescended testis, also called cryptorchidism, sometimes happens to boys as they grow up. It's when one or both testicles don't go down where they should be, inside a bag-like thing called the scrotum, after birth. The scrotum is under the penis. This condition needs to be looked at because it can affect how a child gets healthy and grows.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat are the Types of Undescended Testis?
There are two main types of undescended testis:
- Unilateral : One testicle is affected, and the other is normally positioned.
- Bilateral : Both testicles are not properly descended into the scrotum.
What are the Symptoms of Undescended Testis(Cryptorchidism)?
Undescended tests can show certain signs you should know about. These signs help find the problem early and get the right help for your child. Here's what to look for:
- No Testicles in Scrotum : The main sign is that one or both testicles aren't where they should be in the scrotum. You might notice that the scrotum seems small or not fully grown.
- Scrotum Seems Empty : If you gently touch the scrotum and can't feel the testicles, they might not have come down like they should.
- Bulge in Groin : Sometimes, undescended testis can make a lump in the groin. This could be a sign of an inguinal hernia, which happens when a part of the belly pushes through the stomach wall. It's important to have a doctor check any lumps in the groin area.
When to See a Doctor ?
It's important to consult a pediatrician if your child's testicles are not in their normal position by the age of 6 months. Early detection and treatment are crucial for the best outcomes.
What are the Causes of Undescended Testis?
- Hormonal Disruption : The process of testicular descent can be affected by disruptions in hormonal signals, leading to the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum.
- Abnormal Descent : Testicles normally move from the abdominal area to the scrotum during fetal development. Any abnormalities in this descent process can result in undescended testis.
- Increased Risk in Premature Births : Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk of having undescended testicles, as the final descent typically occurs in the last weeks of pregnancy.
- Genetic Influence : Undescended testis may have a genetic component, as it can be passed down in families. If a father or brother has experienced this condition, there is a greater chance of it occurring in the child.
- Deficiency in Male Hormones : Inadequate levels of androgens, which are male hormones, can impede the proper descent of the testicles.
- Impact of Environment : Some research suggests that environmental factors, such as maternal smoking during pregnancy or exposure to certain chemicals, could play a role in the development of undescended testicles.
What are the Undescended Testis Risk Factors?
Undescended testis can be affected by different things that might make a child more likely to have it. Knowing these things can help parents and caregivers watch out for signs and get the right help. Here are some common things that can make undescended testis more likely:
- Not Born at Full Weight : Babies who are born smaller might have undescended testis more often. This is more common if the baby is born before they're fully ready.
- Family Connection : If someone in the family, like a dad or a brother, had undescended testis, a child might be more likely to have it, too.
- Mom's Smoking : When a mom smokes while pregnant, it can raise the chance of undescended testis for the baby. The stuff in tobacco smoke can affect how the baby grows.
- More Than One Baby : If a mom has more than one baby at once, like twins or triplets, the chance of undescended testis might be higher. This is especially true if the babies are born early or are smaller.
- Other Health Problems : Some babies are more likely to have undescended tests if they have certain health issues when they're born, like problems with how they're made or how their hormones work.
What are the Complications of Undescended Testis?
Undescended testis can lead to fertility problems, increased risk of testicular cancer, and psychological concerns as the child ages.
How are Undescended Testicles Diagnosed?
Diagnosing undescended testis is like figuring out what's happening in the body. It's important to do this early so that the right steps can be taken to help the child. Here's how doctors check for undescended testis:
- Checking the Body : A doctor, often a children's doctor or a special doctor for children's body parts (pediatric urologist), will look closely at the private area to see if the testicles are where they should be.
- Asking Questions : The doctor will ask how the baby grew before birth and if anyone else in the family had this problem.
- Feeling Gently : The doctor will use their hands to gently touch the area to see if they can feel the testicles in the right place.
- Picture Time : Sometimes, the doctor might use a special ultrasound camera to take pictures of the body. This helps see where the testicles are.
- Tiny Camera : If the doctor still needs more information, they might use a tiny camera to peek inside the belly and find the testicles.
- Watching Growth : If the testicles aren't in the right place when the baby is born, the doctor will check to see if they move later.
How to Treat Undescended Testis?
Treating undescended testis is important so that a child can grow upright and not have problems later. How doctors treat it depends on how old the child is and how serious the problem is. Here's what they can do:
- Hormone Help: Sometimes, doctors use special medicines to give the testicles a little push to go where they should be. This works better if the testicles are almost there on their own. But once the treatment stops, the testicles might go back up.
- Surgery (Orchiopexy): The main treatment is a special operation called orchiopexy. This is when a doctor carefully moves the testicle to the right spot and ensures it stays there. They do this by securing it inside the scrotum. This surgery usually happens when the child is 6 months and one year old. It helps lower the chances of problems and lets the doctor watch how the testicle grows.
- Two Steps Sometimes: If the testicle is very high, it might need two surgeries. First, the doctor helps it move closer to the right spot inside the body. Then, in the second surgery, they make sure it's where it should be in the scrotum.
- Tiny Camera Surgery: For some kids, the doctor might use a tiny camera to help move the testicles. They make small cuts and use the camera to see their actions. This is good for certain cases.
- Keep Checking: No matter what treatment is chosen, it's important to keep visiting the doctor. This way, they can ensure the testicle is growing well and doing its job.
Do’s and Don’ts of Anal Fistula:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Consult a doctor if you suspect undescended testis. | Don't delay seeking medical attention. |
| Follow the recommended treatment plan. | Don't ignore the condition. |
| Offer emotional support to your child. | Don't assume it will resolve on its own. |
| Attend regular follow-up appointments. | Don't wait to seek help until later. |
| Keep the scrotum area clean and dry. | Don't attempt to force the testicles down. |
| Encourage healthy habits for your child's growth. | Don't disregard the advice of medical experts. |
| Communicate openly with healthcare professionals. | Don't let fear prevent seeking medical help. |
| Provide an environment for open discussions. | Don't hesitate to ask questions. |
| Stay informed about your child's condition. | Don't rely solely on home remedies. |
| Be patient and understanding throughout the process. | Don't neglect follow-up appointments. |
Undescended Testis Care at Medicover Hospitals
Here at Medicover Hospitals, we care about kids who have undescended testis. Our specialists are experts in children's body parts, called pediatric urologists, and are here to help your child feel better. We want to make sure your child is healthy while they get the right treatment. Here's what we do to take care of kids with undescended testis.
