The testicles develop inside the male infant's abdomen. Usually, about one month before birth, they slowly descend into the scrotum. Undescended testes may be observed at birth. Either one, or both, of the testicles may not have descended from the pelvis into their normal position in the scrotum. About 3% of full-term newborn males and 30% of premature males have undescended testes. Most of them descend spontaneously without treatment by 1 year of age. If the testicles remain undescended beyond 5 years of age, they may produce infertility. In addition, a testicle which remained undescended may be at an increased risk for developing cancer.
Causes of Testes, Undescended
The cause of this disorder is not known. It may be related to hormone deficiency in the mother or fetus. At times, there may be anatomical barriers in the testicle's path to the scrotum.
Signs and Symptoms of Testes, Undescended
The only symptom that occurs is the absence of one or both testicles from the scrotum.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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