Cryptorchidism Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Cryptorchidism is also referred to as un descendant testis in medical language. This condition causes the testes not to descend into the scrotum.
Every one in 25 baby boys will be born with undescended testicles. However, this condition usually does not need to be treated because the testes will descend on their own into the scrotum within the first three to six months. But cases of un descendant testicles can also persist in one in a hundred boys.
Cryptorchidism can occur in one testicle only and is referred to as unilateral or both testes which is called bilateral cryptorchidism. This condition will not cause pain but can pose a risk of health problems, namely infertility and the risk of testicular cancer.
Symptom
Cryptorchidism basically does not cause any symptoms. This disease is known from the results of a physical examination by a doctor.
Reason
Until now the cause of cryptorchidism is still unknown. During pregnancy, the testicles in the fetus’s abdomen should descend into the scrotum at the age of one or two months before birth.
Some of the risks that increase the likelihood of cryptorchidism are premature birth (37 weeks), having a low birth weight, having a family history, exposure to toxic substances such as pesticides, and exposure to cigarette smoke.
Diagnosis
The doctor will do a physical examination of the scrotum and testicles, especially when the baby is born and when he is 6 to 8 weeks old. When the doctor finds that one or both of the child’s testicles have not descended or are not in a normal place, cryptorchidism can be suspected.
An investigation is usually rarely done because a specialist can check the presence of testicles in the scrotum by feeling. However, if it cannot be felt, supporting examinations such as X-rays, ultrasound, MRI and diagnostic laparoscopy can be carried out to see if the testicles are in the stomach.
Treatment
If the testicles still haven’t descended at 6 months of age, usually the condition will persist so it must be treated. Treatment that can be done includes orchidopexy to move the testes into the scrotum.
This operation has a high success rate. Usually, surgery is done before the child is 12 months old to avoid the possibility of infertility and reduce the risk of testicular cancer.
There are other therapies such as injecting the hormone HCG ( Huan chorionic gonadotropin ) to lower the testicles. However, this therapy has a success rate of only 20 percent and can put you at risk of early puberty.