Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism)
The male reproductive system* includes the penis, testicles and scrotal sac/scrotum. These organs make, store and transport sperm. A sperm is a very tiny male sex cell. The sperm cell is needed to fertilize a woman's egg (ova) to make a baby.
Archived from the 2024 edition
Overview
Normal testicles form early in a baby boy's growth, while still in the womb. They form in the lower belly (abdomen) and drop into the scrotum toward the end of pregnancy. Normal testicles attach themselves with stretchable tissue in the bottom of the scrotum. This is controlled by the baby's normal hormones.
"Undescended testicle" is the term used when one or both of the testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. Your baby's pediatrician will evaluate for this during a routine exam. The scrotum looks and feels empty.
In this entry
The archived page carried these sections, in this order.
- How Does the Male Reproductive System Form?
- What Are Undescended Testicles?
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Other Considerations
- After Treatment
- Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Explore Further