Retractile Testes in Children
- What is Retractile Testes?
Retractile testes result when one or both of the male testes move back and forth between the scrotal sac and the groin. When the retractile testis is residing in the groin, it may be easily milked by hand into the scrotum.
The affected testicle may become an ascending testicle in which it remains in the groin and no longer movable freely. An ascending testicle, if not treated, is vulnerable to the same problems associated with an undescended testicle including testicular cancer, infertility, testicular torsion, trauma & emotional problems.
- What are the Causes of Retractile Testes?
Retractile testes are caused by an overactive muscle reflex that causes a testicle to move up and down from the scrotum back into the groin.
- What are the Sign & Symptoms of Retractile Testes?
The testis might spontaneously appear in the scrotum and remain there for a time while the testis might spontaneously disappear again for a time. When the testis is moved by hand from the groin into the scrotum, it will not immediately go back to the groin.
- What are the Treatment of Retractile Testis?
Treatment may not be necessary.
In most boys, the retractile testes go away sometime before or after puberty. The testes move to correct position in the scrotum and stay there permanently.
In few cases, the retractile testes remain in the groin and is/ are no longer movable freely. When this ascending testis happens, surgery is needed to place into the scrotum. This is called orchidopexy and works for most children.