Approximately 3-5% of newborn males and up to 30% of males born prematurely have an undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). This means that one or in some cases both testicles don’t drop into the scrotum, the bag of skin that hangs directly beneath the penis.
In most cases, the testicle descends within a month or two after birth. However, if this doesn’t occur naturally, surgery can correct the issue.
At Associated Urologists of North Carolina, PA, with offices in Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, and Wake Forest, North Carolina, our expert urology team specializes in treating cryptorchidism. Keep reading to learn why this happens, how it’s treated, and what it means for your son’s overall health.
When a male infant is in the womb, the testicles begin forming in the abdomen, eventually moving through a tubelike passage called the inguinal canal and into the scrotum. If this process is stopped or delayed, the testicles don’t always drop.
The best way to tell if your son has an undescended testicle is to ask your pediatrician. All male babies are given a physical exam after birth, during which their doctor feels the scrotum to check for the presence of both testicles.
In many cases, one or both testicles descend within the first few months after birth, but sometimes they don’t. When that happens, your pediatrician may refer you to us for treatment.
If your son’s testicle hasn’t descended by the time he’s six months old, the process likely won’t happen on its own. Because an undescended testicle can increase the risk of other health problems, such as infertility and testicular cancer, prompt action is essential.
Several treatment options exist, including hormone therapy and surgery, but we often recommend surgery since it’s more effective. When your baby needs surgery depends on various factors, but it’s typically recommended before 18 months of age.
The surgery, called orchiopexy, is minimally invasive and takes about an hour. During the procedure, we make a small incision in your son’s groin or scrotum and use surgical tools to carefully move the testicle into the scrotum and secure it in place.
Once the testicle is in the proper position, we close the incision and move your son to a recovery room for observation. Since orchiopexy is minimally invasive, most infants can return home on the same day without staying in the hospital.
After orchiopexy, most infants recover in about two weeks, but it’s normal for your baby to be fussy and sensitive to touch in the first few days.
Follow our recovery instructions, give any medication as prescribed, keep the incision clean, and change the bandage as needed. An ice pack can be applied to your son’s scrotum over his clothing to help ease swelling.
Most babies can return to daycare and other activities within three to five days of their operation. However, they should avoid rough play and any toys that need to be straddled, such as a stick horse or tricycle, for at least three weeks.
If your child develops a fever, experiences unusual amounts of pain, or shows signs of infection, contact us immediately.
Male babies typically respond well to orchiopexy. The procedure is safe, well-tolerated, and has a 96% success rate.
Although it can be frightening to know your son needs surgery, early treatment can significantly reduce his risk of future complications, including fertility problems, testicular cancer, and testicular torsion.
If your son was born with an undescended testicle, we can help you determine the best course of treatment. To make an appointment, call the nearest office in Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, or Wake Forest, North Carolina, or schedule online.
