Under normal conditions, the testicles move into their proper position in the scrotum, below the penis, before birth. Undescended testicles are not common, but they are common among premature baby boys. While usually only one testicle is affected, in about 10% of cases, both testicles may stay stuck inside the body. Most of the time, the testicles will drop without intervention within the first few months of the child’s life. Sometimes parents may choose to have the testicle relocated to the scrotum by surgery.
It is unclear what causes this condition, but it is believed that a combination of factors may contribute to undescended testicles. These factors include genetics, the mother’s health during pregnancy, and other environmental factors that can interfere with hormones, physical changes, and nerve activity, which can influence testicular development.
Sometimes, the condition goes untreated and can affect the reproductive health and fertility of adult males. Complications associated with undescended testicles include testicular cancer and fertility problems.
