How the testicles normally descend?
The testicles are the male sex organs that produce sperm and the male hormones. They form near the kidneys. As the fetus grows in the mother’s womb, the testicles move down through the groin into scrotum. Normally they are in the scrotum before birth.

When a testicle doesn’t descend
Sometimes a testicles doesn’t fully descend into the scrotum before birth. Instead, it stops somewhere along the normal pathway between the kidney and the scrotum. Or it may stray from this pathway. What causes this is not known. An undescended testicles is most common in premature babies, and mostly only one testicle is affected.

A retractile testicle
A retractile testicle is sometimes confused with an undescended testicle. A retractile testicle has descended into the scrotum. However, when the muscles that attach to the testicles contract, the testicle is pulled back up into the groin. As the boy matures, the testicles will remain in the scrotum. Treatment is rarely needed.

An undescended testicle
Your baby’s doctor may detect an undescended testicle at birth. More often, it is found when the baby is few months old. The doctor will most likely check the testicles over the next few months to see if it descends on its own.
   If not, surgery is needed to bring the testicles down into the scrotum.

Locating an undescended testicle
The undescended testicle can usually be felt during a physical exam. Your baby lies on his back for the exam. An older child may be asked to squat. The doctor places his or her fingers on the child’s groin and then gently moves them toward the scrotum until the testicle is felt. If the testicle can’t be found with an exam, imaging studies, such as ultrasound or other special tests may be needed.

Watchful waiting
The doctor will most likely wait for a few months to see if your son’s testicle will descend on its own. The closer the testicle is to the scrotum, the greater the chance it will come down. If the testicle does not descend on its own, it can still be treated. If both testicles have not descended, or if the testicle is above the groin, the doctor may advice tests and earlier treatment.


Last updated on 09-10-2001