Testicles Underscended
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
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If you are wondering "What causes an undescended testicle?" then you have come to the right place. If your testicles are not moving, you can get rid of them naturally and easily. You won't even need surgery. In fact, there are several different treatments for undescended testicles. You may find that your testicles will naturally start to descend on their own. And, if they don't, you can always undergo cryptorchidism surgery.
Unmoved testicles
An undescended testicle is a condition in which one of the testicles fails to drop into the normal position in the scrotum. This condition occurs in one or two out of every hundred babies, or three to four out of every 100 newborns who are premature. This condition usually resolves on its own within the first three months of life, but 1 or 2 out of every 100 boys will require treatment.
The condition, also known as cryptorchidism, affects one or both testicles. It is relatively rare, occurring in one to two percent of full-term and premature male infants. The problem usually corrects itself within a few months, but in some cases, it can be fixed through surgical relocation. Here are some important details you should know about undescended testicles.
About eighty per cent of undescended testicles are palpable and are located in the inguinal canal. The testicles migrate downward along the spermatic cord towards the penis and scrotum. The testicles are most commonly located inside the scrotum but may also be in the groin, lower abdomen, or the abdomen. In most cases, one testicle will remain undescended, although this can occur bilaterally.
Cryptorchidism
A newborn baby boy's testes develop inside the abdomen, travel through the groin, and then descend into the scrotum, the bag of skin under the penis. However, sometimes, the testes fail to descend properly, a condition known as cryptorchidism. Fortunately, more than half of these cases will resolve on their own over the first few months of life. If you suspect your baby has undescended testicles, it's important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
While the condition may occur on both sides of the abdomen, it is most common in the right testicle. You can palpate an undescended testicle in the inguinal canal, but it may be absent altogether. In the majority of cases, a cryptorchid testicle will descend by the third month of life, but the true incidence of undescended testicle is only about one percent. An undescended testicle is accompanied by many complications, including decreased fertility and increased risks for testicular germ cell tumors. An undescended testicle can also cause a lot of psychological problems.
Because the condition is not caused by any disease, a newborn with undescended testicle is not considered to be gender-disordered or effeminate. However, it may result in a disturbed self-image for the boy. In rare cases, the condition may result in testicular cancer, although this link is low and remains largely undefined. As a result, it's important to know how to properly examine the testicles and how to spot the symptom of undescended testes.
If you have suspicions of cryptorchidism, consult with your medical professional. An ultrasound will determine the exact location of the retained testicle. Depending on where the problem is, surgery might be necessary. The retained testicle may become cancerous and cause pain, so you'll want to make sure that your dog has been neutered. The condition may also cause behavioral problems, including aggressiveness and urine marking.
Infertility
A medical condition called undescended testicle can cause infertility in a child. Testicles are male sex organs that form in the womb during pregnancy. If they do not descend correctly, they are not warm enough to produce sperm. Consequently, the testicles lose their ability to produce sperm and may result in infertility in later life. The condition may be caused by several factors, including genetics, the mother's health, and environmental influences.
Infertility caused by undescended testicles can be corrected through surgery. In the early stages, surgical correction improves the chances of conceiving. Doctors generally recommend surgical correction between the ages of six months to 18 months after the condition is diagnosed. However, it is possible for a boy to develop normal fertility with one undescended testicle, even if the condition persists in the later stages of life.
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Infertility caused by undescended testicles affects approximately 10% of men. Men with bilateral undescended testicles often have lower sperm density than men with intact testicles. Moreover, they also have lower levels of the hormone inhibin B. This may impact sperm production. Because of these factors, it can take up to three times longer for a man to conceive a child.
If the condition continues, the testicles may stay inside the body, causing problems in later life. If left untreated, the undescended testicles may also damage the baby's reproductive system. The condition is known as cryptorchidism, and most men who have it will have normal fertility. The condition can be the result of inborn defects or delay in surgical correction. A doctor can also perform a physical exam to diagnose the condition. In most cases, undescended testicles will come down naturally within a few months.
Poor sperm quality
Surgical treatment is available for males suffering from an undescended testicle if it has not descended in the first few months. The procedure involves bringing the testicle to the scrotum and securing it permanently with permanent sutures. The procedure is recommended for men at around 6 months of age. Delaying treatment may result in significant reduction in fertility later on. The incision is made into the scrotum to access the testicle.
When both testicles are not properly developed, an undescended testicle may cause decreased fertility in adulthood. Sperm production is impaired and temperature is increased, which can affect the quality of sperm. A study of men with undescended testicles showed that sperm counts were 28% lower, the ratio of inhibin B to follicle-stimulating hormone was less than ideal, and the Leydig cells that produce testosterone were impaired.
When the testicles are fully developed, they will naturally descended in the scrotum. If they do not, however, sperm quality will be reduced, making it difficult to conceive. The cause of an undescended testicle is not always clear. Some conditions, such as epididymitis or prostatitis, can affect testicular development. A child's genetics and maternal health may interfere with sperm development, leading to an undescended testicle.
Other factors that may contribute to low sperm quality include radiation therapy, overheating the testicles, and using hot tubs and saunas to increase body temperature. Several lifestyle factors, such as heavy drinking and smoking, may lower sperm production. In some cases, anabolic steroids and marijuana may also affect sperm production. In the event that a man is suffering from an undescended testicle, he should visit a doctor to determine the root cause.
High risk of testicular cancer
A man who experiences an undescended testicle has a high risk of developing testicular cancer. The risk is approximately five to ten times higher than that of a person with a normally descended testicle. The risk remains high even after surgery for the undescended testicle, but it is more likely to develop cancer if both testicles are retained. Although the exact cause of the condition is unknown, the risks are increased by the location of undescended testicles.
The high risk of testicular cancer is exacerbated in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In addition, cancers of the testicles are more likely to affect AIDS patients. In addition, the noninvasive form of testicular cancer known as carcinoma in situ may progress to an invasive form. Most commonly, it is found incidentally in males who have undergone testicular biopsy. Currently, experts are divided on the treatment of this type of cancer.
The high risk of testicular cancer due to an undescended testicle is not related to vasectomy or any other type of surgery. It can be caused by certain genetic conditions, personal history, and environment. In some cases, infertility is a symptom of testicular cancer. A doctor can detect this condition during a routine physical exam or during a self-examination.
Men with Klinefelter's syndrome, a genetic disease, are also at high risk. Testicular cancers in men with HIV and AIDS are also more likely to occur in men with these conditions, but no other infectious conditions have been linked to a higher risk of the condition. In addition to genetic factors, the risk is exacerbated by an undescended testicle.