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The paediatrician couldn’t find testicles in my baby’s scrotum after birth. What should we do?
Your paediatrician will regularly check your baby’s genitals. Sometimes, the testicles move into the scrotum by the time the baby is 6 months old. If not, the doctor may refer you to a paediatric surgeon or paediatric urologist, who will examine your child and recommend the next steps.
When do the testicles normally descend?
In most cases, the testicles have moved into the scrotum by the time the baby is 6 months old.
The doctor asked me to watch the position of my son’s testicle, but I can’t find it in the scrotum. What should I do?
Try checking your son when he’s relaxed, like during a warm bath or while he’s asleep. If you still can’t find the testicle, let your doctor know.
Our paediatrician confirmed that our son has cryptorchidism. Can we avoid surgery?
You can talk to a paediatric surgeon or urologist about your concerns. They will explain whether surgery is needed and discuss the timing and type of procedure if it’s recommended.
Our 12-year-old son’s testicle used to be in the scrotum, but the paediatrician found it in the groin during his last check-up. Will the testicle be damaged?
The groin is not the best environment for the testicle and could affect its function. The testicle may be retractile (able to move back and forth) and not need surgery, or it could be undescended. Observing the testicle’s position when your son is relaxed (like during a warm bath) can help the doctor decide if treatment is needed.
Our son had surgery to bring the testicle into the scrotum. Will this affect his fertility? Can he have children when he grows up?
If surgery (orchidopexy) is done before 18 months of age, his ability to have children is almost the same as other men. However, men who had two undescended testicles are at higher risk of infertility. After puberty, a test called a sperm analysis (spermiogram) can check your son’s fertility potential.
This chapter contains general information about cryptorchidism. If you have any specific questions about cryptorchidism you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. No website or leaflet can replace a personal conversation with your doctor.
Last updated: January 2025