Undescended Testicle

Undescended Testicle

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Testicles are the male reproductive organs that produce sperm and the male hormone, testosterone. The scrotum is the sac that contains the two testes. In most boys, the testicle descends into the scrotum by itself. When the testicle doesn't descend, we recommend surgery after the first year of life. Our experience in the last three years with over 250 boys with undescended testes shows that outpatient surgery is safe and effective, with excellent outcomes.

Problems associated with undescended testes include:

• Infertility
• Inguinal hernia
• Testicular tumor
• Psychological and cosmetic problems
• Injury of the undescended testes and torsion or twisting of the testis

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007