What are the types of cryptorchidism?

Cryptorchidism can be either bilateral (causing sterility) or unilateral, and inguinal or abdominal (or both).

What causes cryptorchidism?

Experts believe that most cases of undescended testicles occur when a combination of genetics, maternal health, and some environmental factors disrupt the hormones, cause physical changes, and interrupt the nerve activity involved in the testicles’ development.

What is the function of cryptorchidism?

Cryptorchidism is a developmental abnormality in which one or both testes fail to descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum. The retained testis may stop along the normal path of descent, or it may divert to an ectopic location.

Are there two types of cryptorchidism?

Types of cryptorchidism Cryptorchidism is classified as “palpable” or “non-palpable”. A palpable undescended testicle can be felt on examination. A non-palpable testicle cannot be felt.

What is a cryptorchid?

A condition in which one or both testicles fail to move from the abdomen, where they develop before birth, into the scrotum. Cryptorchidism may increase the risk for development of testicular cancer. Also called undescended testicles.

How is cryptorchidism diagnosis?

Unfortunately, there’s no test, such as an ultrasound, that can definitively show whether a testicle is there. Surgery is the only way to find out for sure. Pediatric urologists are experts in both open and laparoscopic surgery.

What is cryptorchidism in biology?

(krip-TOR-kih-dih-zum) A condition in which one or both testicles fail to move from the abdomen, where they develop before birth, into the scrotum. Cryptorchidism may increase the risk for development of testicular cancer. Also called undescended testicles.

What’s a cryptorchid?

How is cryptorchidism diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose undescended testicles during a physical exam performed immediately after birth or shortly thereafter. The doctor can usually feel, or palpate, the undescended testicles during the exam. However, in some boys, the undescended testicles may not be located in an area that can be felt.

What is the term for cryptorchidism?

How can cryptorchidism be prevented?

Undescended testicle treatment options include:

  1. Hormone therapy: In rare cases — especially when the testicles are near the scrotum — your healthcare provider may recommend hormonal treatment.
  2. Surgery: Surgery is the most common, and effective, treatment for undescended testicles.

What is cryptorchidism very short answer?

An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) is a testicle that hasn’t moved into its proper position in the bag of skin hanging below the penis (scrotum) before birth. Usually just one testicle is affected, but about 10 percent of the time both testicles are undescended.