Contributed by -Healthians Team
In the last few months of the pregnancy, the baby goes through a lot of changes. For a baby boy, one of the biggest changes is the drop of testicles from inside the abdomen down into the scrotum. But sometimes, one or both the testicles fail to drop into place. This condition is called cryptorchidism or, in simpler terms, undescended testicles. Now, if you are wondering what are the symptoms behind it or what causes it, then continue reading.
What are the symptoms of cryptorchidism?
Testicles form in the abdomen during fetal development. As the pregnancy reaches its 8th month, testicles gradually begin to descend from the abdomen through the inguinal canal (a tube-like passageway in the groin) into the scrotum. In an undescended testicle, this process stops or gets delayed. Not being able to see or feel a testicle where it should ideally be in the scrotum is the main symptom of cryptorchidism.
What are the causes of cryptorchidism?
Even the doctors don’t exactly know the causes of undescended testicles. It is believed that it could be related to genes or mother’s health or some outside influences that change the way hormones and nerve work.
However, the following factors are considered to be the possible risk factors of cryptorchidism:
- Earlier than expected birth
- Family history of problems with genital growth
- Conditions such as Down syndrome
- Low weight at the time of birth
- Parent’s contact with certain chemicals
- Mother being diabetic or obese
- Smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy
What are the problems associated with cryptorchidism?
The testicles need to be slightly cooler than normal body temperature in order to function properly. And the scrotum keeps them in this ideal temperature. However, if the testicles fail to descend, then the following complications could develop:
- Testicular cancer – Men with undescended testicles are at an increased risk of testicular cancer. It usually begins in the cells in the testicles that produce immature sperms.
- Fertility issues – Due to abnormal development of testicles low sperm count, poor sperm quality and decreased fertility can occur in those with undescended testicles. The problem may also worsen if left untreated.
- Testicular torsion – It’s the twisting of the spermatic cord that contains blood vessels, nerves and the tube which carries semen. In the condition, the blood flow to the testicle gets blocked.
- Trauma – If the testicle is in the groin, it may get damaged due to the pressure from the pubic bone.
- Inguinal hernia – If the opening between the abdomen and the inguinal canal is too loose, a portion of the intestines can intrude into the groin which results in hernia.
How is cryptorchidism diagnosed and treated?
In most cases, the problem gets detected at the time of regular checkup soon after birth. Usually, the testicle moves into place naturally within a few months of birth. But if that doesn’t happen, surgery might be needed to treat the condition. Getting your baby boy treated as early as possible is advisable as it lowers the chances of fertility problems later in life.
