Retractile Testicle

A retractile testicle is a testicle that may move back and forth between the scrotum and the groin. When the retractile testicle is residing in the groin, it might be easily guided by hand into its proper position in the scrotum - the bag of skin hanging behind the penis - during a physical exam. For most boys, the problem of a retractile testicle goes away sometime before or during puberty. The testicle moves to its correct location in the scrotum and stays there permanently. In fewer than 5 percent of cases, the retractile testicle remains in the groin and is no longer movable. When this happens, the condition is called an ascending testicle or an acquired undescended testicle. Signs and symptoms of a retractile testicle include: The testicle may be moved by hand from the groin into the scrotum and won't immediately retreat to the groin. The testicle might spontaneously appear in the scrotum and remain there for a time. The testicle might spontaneously disappear again for a time. A retractile testicle is likely to descend on its own before or during puberty. If the testicle has ascended - no longer movable by hand doctor will likely recommend surgery to move the testicle permanently into the scrotum. Also, if the testicle is still retractile during puberty, surgery will likely be recommended in the early teen years to ensure proper maturation of the testicle. dolescent boys and men who have had treatments to correct an ascending or retractile testicle should regularly monitor the position of the testicle to ensure it doesn't ascend at a later time. Although hormone treatments have been used to treat ascending testicles or retractile testicles in adolescents, the American Urology Association's 2014 guidelines no longer include this intervention because of a lack of evidence for successful response or long-term effectiveness.