Undescended Testicle

Undescended testes, which is the testicle that hasn't dropped down into the scrotum at birth, is one of the most common problems treated by pediatric urologists and the most common birth defect of the male genitals. One out of every 125 boy babies have some form of undescended testicle. The condition is more common in premature and low birth weight babies.

Most often, this condition corrects itself within a year of birth. If it doesn't, treatment may be necessary to ensure healthy testicular development. A permanently undescended testicle has a higher risk of infertility, cancer and vulnerability to injury.

Hormone treatments may take care of some cases. Otherwise, the undescended testicle can be put in proper position by a minor outpatient surgery. It is not unusual for a child born with an undescended testicle to have an inguinal hernia.

Urologists at UCSF Children's Hospital are experts at repairing this common. Should your child require surgery, a skilled team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and other specialists who have been trained to work with the special needs of developing children will care for your child. We also recognize the important role parents have on our team.

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