Undescended Testicle (Cryptorchidism)
A testicle that has not descended into the scrotum is referred to as a cryptorchidism. The testicles begin developing deep within the abdomen early in pregnancy , controlled by various hormones. The testicles begin to descend into the scrotum between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. One or both testicles have not finished their descend at the time of delivery in 30% of premature male infants and around 3% of full-term male infants. The majority of these will then naturally descend throughout the first three to six months of life. By six months of age, less than 1% of infants continue to have the condition. Affected testicles may be one or both. With an undescended testicle risk of infertility which is the inability to reproduce is increased, hernias, testicular cancer, and testicular torsion is (twisting). As the youngster grows older, an unfilled scrotum can also cause severe psychological stress. Early treatment is critical for these reasons. Certain males are born with a normal ...