Men's Health > Testicle > Undescended Testicle

Undescended Testicle

Often the term “undescended testicle” is used erroneously to describe a testicle that has retracted into the abdomen. However, it is important for men to understand the difference between an undescended testicle and a retractile testicle, as they are very different conditions.

Problems and Differences

A retractile testicle is usually not a problem. On the other hand, an undescended testicle is almost always a cause of concern if it occurs in males over the age of one year.

An undescended testicle is a term referring to a testicle which remains in the abdomen after birth instead of descending down into the scrotum. While this condition is more common in premature babies, only 3% of baby boys that are carried to term exhibit this condition. However, if a baby does exhibit an undescended testicle, it is important that it be corrected before the age of one year, if it does not descend on its own during that time. If it is not corrected, the undescended testicle may result in decreased fertility.

A retractile testicle is actually in the scrotum most of the time but retracts into the groin or abdomen occasionally. While an undescended testicle is fixed in place, a retractile testicle moves in and out of the scrotum.

One of the primary reasons a testicle retracts is due to cold temperatures, which most men experience at least occasionally. As temperatures drop, the scrotum retracts and pulls the testicles into the body to warm them. However, some men experience the retraction of their testicles on a more frequent basis, often from playing sports which contract certain muscles that cause the retraction.

Corrective Measures

An undescended testicle almost always requires surgery, because it causes a number of medical issues. An undescended testicle is more likely to cause hernias, tumors, or become injured; therefore, they must be pulled down into the scrotum. However, in cases that the testicles have not descended by the age of one, they will more than likely not do so. For this reason, surgery is required to correct an undescended testicle.

On the other hand, a retractile testicle does not require any treatment. It is usually the body’s own defense mechanisms that cause the testicle to retract and it descends on its own. Therefore, retractile testicles should not usually be a cause of concern.

There are certain circumstances in which adult males have an undescended testicle; however, this is usually due to a genetic defect, such as certain chromosome disorders. These conditions almost always require medical treatment.

Paul Ellis - Men's Health