Undescended Testicles

In male babies, the testicles develop while inside the womb itself, and by the end of the pregnancy, they move down to the scrotum area. When the child is a year old, both the testicles have to be down in the scrotum, if not it results in a case of undescended testicles. This is most common among babies born prematurely. Surveys have shown that every one in about 20 males are born with this condition. However, this does not affect any of the normal body functions. The reason for this condition is still unknown, though it is sometimes linked with other medical conditions like hernia.

Diagnosing Undescended Testicles

The diagnosis is carried out by a doctor, who will examine the abdomen and scrotum of the child to check if the testicles have not descended. Sometimes, the testicles may have descended into the scrotum, but due to cold or fear of the boy the doctor may not be able to feel it. In such cases, the child is put into a warm bath and then examined. In most cases the doctor will be able to feel the testicles, but in about 1- to 15 percent of the cases, the testicles may be still inside the abdomen or may have not developed at all. In such cases, a diagnostic laparoscopy is conducted.

Correcting undescended testicles

This condition has to be treated during childhood itself in order to have the best results of the treatment. Based upon the cause of the testicles not descending, the treatment is provided. The reason for this may be due to the testicles not maturing enough inside the abdomen. If this is not treated properly and on time, it can lead to a lower rate of sperm count, and sometimes infertility as well. Also, if the testicles are not descended, it becomes very hard to test for diseases like testicular cancer.

This condition may also be caused due to hormone deficiency. In this case, a hormone course of hCG or human chorionic gonadotrophin is administered which stimulates release of testosterone. If a hormone problem does not exist, then the child will need to undergo a small surgery to set the condition right.

Correcting undescended testicles with surgery

Undescended testicles can be corrected by performing a surgery known as orchidopexy. It is generally an open surgery, though at times a keyhole procedure might be required to locate testicles inside of the abdomen and bring them down to the scrotum. The entire procedure is divided into two parts, and lasts for about 45 minutes. There aren’t many risks involved specifically with this surgery. Though anaesthetics generally carry risks, this surgery has minimum complications. Also, bleeding or catching an infection is possible.

What happens after surgery

The first 24 hours after surgery may make the child feel sick, but after that complete normalcy will return. Sometimes, the child may require painkillers for a few days immediately after the operation. He must also be made to drink plenty of liquids, and also be made to dress in loose clothing to make him comfortable.