Undescended Testicle

Pathophysiology

Undescended testicle (or Cryptorchidism) is a condition seen in newborns when one or both of the male testes have not passed down into the scrotal sac. Cryptorchidism is more commonly seen in premature males because the testes do not descend from the abdomen to the scrotal sac until the seventh month of fetal development.

Disease statistics

Cryptorchidism is also a major risk factor for male infertility. Among couples consulting for infertility, the percentage of men with a history of cryptorchidism is between 5% and 10%.

Disease treatment

It may include: Hormonal therapy- Hormone injections like (B-HCG or testosterone) to try to bring the testicle into the scrotum and is not usually recommended because it is much less effective than surgery, and Surgical repair- To bring the testicle into the scrotum and can be done either with a laparoscope or with open surgery.

Major research

Researchers in recent decades suggest that the issue of fertility is more complex than a simple matter of temperature. It seems likely that subtle or transient hormone deficiencies or other factors that lead to lack of descent also impair the development of spermatogenic tissue.