1.What is undescended testes?
Undescended testes results when one or both of testicles fails passing down into the scrotal sac during development. This is a common condition occurring in about 3 in 100 to 1 in 20 male babies. Majority involves only one testicle and occur on the right side.
2. What causes Undescended Testes?
- Is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, especially born before 28 weeks
- Has a family member with the condition
3. What are the Signs & Symptoms of Undescended Testes?
Found when the baby was born
- Parent/ carer cannot feel the testes during a bath
- A doctor cannot feet it during a check-up
- Pain & swelling over groin regardless of preceding trauma
4. What are Possible Problems of Undescended Testes?
If testes don’t descend, this can cause problems:
- Inguinal hernia
- Testicular torsion
- Infertility
- Testicular cancer
- Emotional stress
5. What is the Treatment of Undescended Testes?
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health and the severity of the undescended testes.
The affected testes descend spontaneously by 6 months of age without any treatment.
In other cases, surgery (orchidopexy) is needed and best performed between 9 and 18 months of age. The undescended testicle is placed into the scrotum and an associated inguinal hernia is repaired at the same time.