Overview
During fetal development, the testicles develop in the abdomen. Testicles make and store sperm sex cells. Before birth, the testicles typically drop from inside the abdomen into the scrotum. The scrotum is the thin pouch of skin behind the penis that normally holds the testicles. Undescended testicles are when the testicles fail to drop into the scrotum before birth or in the first few months of life.
Another name for undescended testicles is cryptorchidism.
Are undescended testicles serious?
Without treatment, undescended testicles can be serious. They can lower your child’s testosterone levels and affect their sperm health. With or without treatment, your child may also have a slightly increased risk of developing testicular cancer. But earlier treatment decreases this increased risk.
How common are undescended testicles?
About 3% of babies have undescended testicles at birth. However, undescended testicles are more common in premature babies. Up to 30% of premature babies have undescended testicles.
In about half of babies who have undescended testicles, the testicles will descend on their own within a few months.
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