Undescended Testes Specialists

Associated Urologists of North Carolina

Urologists located in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Clinton, Dunn, Raleigh & Wake Forest, NC

While undescended testes don’t pose an immediate threat to your son’s life, you may want to correct the issue before it affects his sexual development. And with locations across North Carolina, Associated Urologists of North Carolina team gives you a way to do exactly that. Visit any of their offices in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Clinton, Dunn, Raleigh, or Wake Forest to get caring treatment for your son’s undescended testes. Call your nearest office today or schedule an appointment using the convenient online booking tool.

Undescended Testes Q & A

What are Undescended Testes?

As a baby boy grows in his mother’s womb, his testicles develop in his abdomen. Before birth, they usually descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotal sac. But in some babies — particularly premature ones — that process doesn’t occur naturally.

Also called cryptorchidism, undescended testes can affect one testicle or both. In some cases, this issue will resolve itself in the first few months of the baby boy’s life. Generally, the Associated Urologists of North Carolina recommends waiting until your son is four months old before seeking treatment for undescended testes to allow his body to move the testicle or testicles into the scrotal sac on its own.

What Causes Undescended Testes?

Several different conditions can prevent the testes from descending into the scrotal sac. Some of the most common reasons for undescended testes include:

Premature birth
Hormonal disorders
A problem with the abdominal wall through which the testes need to pass
Chromosomal defects
Low birth weight
The mother’s exposure to alcohol, cigarette smoke, or pesticides

Is it Important for the Testes to Descend?

Yes. Otherwise, your son’s testicles can’t develop and function normally at the body’s internal temperature. The scrotal sac provides a cooler environment testicles need to work the way they should.

Fortunately, the team at Associated Urologists of North Carolina is available to ensure your son’s testicles move into the proper position in his scrotal sac. This supports your son’s sexual development and minimizes his risk of fertility issues in the future.

How are Undescended Testes Treated?

The most effective way to ensure your son’s testicles are properly positioned in his scrotal sac is through surgery. But don’t worry, the Associated Urologists of North Carolina strives to make this surgery as minimally invasive as possible. The team works with you in the early stages of your son’s life, as early surgery has been linked to a lowered risk of complications.

During this surgery, which can be performed as an open procedure or laparoscopically, your son’s surgeon moves his testicles into the proper position and stitches them into place.

After surgery, the Associated Urologists of North Carolina monitors your son and the repositioned testicle or testicles. This way, the team can ensure that everything stays in place and develops properly.

Get started with the treatment your son needs for undescended testes by calling any of the Associated Urologists of North Carolina offices or by requesting an appointment online.