Undescended Testicles

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

Testicles are not in their usual place in the scrotum
Common in young boys
Often move into place naturally
Surgery (orchidopexy) may be required

Overview

Undescended testicles, also known as cryptorchidism, is a condition where one or both testicles have not moved down into the scrotum. This is a common finding in newborn boys, and in many cases, the testicles will descend on their own within the first few months of life without any intervention. The exact cause is often unknown, but it occurs when the testicles, which develop inside the baby's tummy, do not complete their journey into the scrotum before birth. Certain factors can increase a baby's risk, such as being born prematurely or having a low birth weight. If the testicles do not descend naturally, medical observation is typically followed by a referral to a specialist. Surgery, called orchidopexy, is a safe and effective procedure usually performed around one year of age to move the testicles into their correct position and prevent potential health problems later in life.

Signs and Symptoms

Inability to feel two testicles in the scrotum
Only one testicle felt in the scrotum
Neither testicle felt in the scrotum
Usually identified during newborn physical examination
Rarely found in adult men

Things That Increase the Risk

Premature birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)
Low birth weight
Family history of undescended testicles
Presence of another rare medical condition

Diagnosis

Physical examination shortly after birth
Regular health and development reviews by a health visitor
Specialist referral if one testicle not descended by 4-5 months
Earlier specialist referral if both testicles not descended by 8 weeks

Treatment & Management

Observation for natural descent during first 12 weeks
Referral to a specialist for assessment
Surgery (orchidopexy) to move testicles into the scrotum
Surgery typically performed around 1 year of age
Untreated cases can lead to future health problems

Prevention

Early detection through newborn physical exams
Regular health checks for infants
Timely specialist consultation for non-descending testicles
Following recommended treatment plans to prevent complications

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Undescended Testicles: