Cryptorchidism is a congenital testicular disorder in which the testicles are not in the scrotum, where they should normally be. Although this condition tends to resolve spontaneously in male babies, usually within the first few months after birth, in some cases it may need to be treated.
Treatment for cryptorchidism may require surgery to replace the testicle. However, the course of treatment varies depending on each individual’s condition and is usually planned to preserve testicular function, prevent infertility and prevent other health problems that may develop.
What is Cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism is a congenital testicular disorder in which the testicles are in a higher than normal position in the abdominal cavity or inguinal canal. In this condition, one or both testicles may not descend into the scrotum.
Cryptorchidism usually becomes apparent after birth and, if left untreated, can lead to health problems such as infertility in childhood and testicular cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce these risks and help restore normal testicular function.
Why does cryptorchidism occur?
Cryptorchidism is when the testicles are located in the abdomen or in another area, such as the inguinal canal, instead of in the scrotum. This is usually caused by a disruption in the process of the testicles descending.
Normally, the testicles begin to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum at 7 weeks gestation and this process is completed before or during labor. Cryptorchidism occurs when the testicles fail to make this descent.
Factors such as genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, low birth weight, premature birth or some health problems experienced by the mother during pregnancy can lead to cryptorchidism. If left untreated, this condition can lead to fertility problems in later years and increase the risk of testicular cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism is the absence of testicles in the scrotum and can be congenital. The symptoms of this condition can be listed as follows:
- Absence of Testicles in the Scrotum: One of the most obvious symptoms is the absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum. The testicles normally descend into the scrotum before birth, but in this case this descent does not occur.
- Growth and Development Retardation: In children with cryptorchidism, the normal development of the testicles may be delayed. This can lead to hormone imbalances and puberty problems.
- Swelling in the Scrotum: Swelling or a feeling of emptiness in the scrotum can be caused by the testicle being out of place.
- Pain: Cryptorchidism can sometimes cause pain. Pain can be felt if the testicles are not descending, or if the testicles may be in the abdomen or in the groin area.
- Infertility Risk: Left untreated for a long time, cryptorchidism can increase the risk of infertility. The testicles need to be located in the scrotum so that they are not affected by body temperature.
How is cryptorchidism treated?
Cryptorchidism is treated when the testicles are not located in the scrotum. This condition is usually congenital and, if left untreated, can lead to infertility, testicular cancer and other health problems.
Surgery is usually necessary to treat cryptorchidism. Orchipexy, the process of placing the testicle in the scrotum, is the most common treatment for this condition. Surgery is usually performed between 6 months and 1 year of age.
Hormone therapy can also be used in some cases, but surgery offers a more effective solution. If treatment is done early, the chances of the testicle regaining normal function are increased.
Which methods are used in the treatment of cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism is defined as a condition where the testicles do not descend into one of the bags where they should normally descend, and if left untreated, it can negatively affect male reproductive health. The methods used in the treatment of cryptorchidism are as follows:
- Surgical Intervention (Orchidopexy): A surgical procedure is performed to place the testicle in the pouch. This procedure is necessary for the testicle to develop properly and fulfill its normal functions.
- Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy may be used to stimulate the testicles to descend. This is usually used to help the testicles descend naturally.
- Follow-up and Observation: In some cases at an early age, monitoring may be chosen to encourage the testicle to descend spontaneously. However, untreated cases may require surgical intervention in later years.
- Fertility Treatment: After treatment, individuals with infertility problems may require additional treatments for sperm health.
In which cases does cryptorchidism require advanced treatment?
Cryptorchidism is a condition in which the testicles do not descend into the scrotum but remain in the abdomen or inguinal canal. This condition usually resolves spontaneously within a few months after birth, but in some cases treatment is necessary.
Advanced treatment usually involves testicular relocation or surgery if the testicle does not descend. If the testicles still do not descend after 6 months, hormone therapy or surgery (orchiopexy) may be needed.
If not treated early, cryptorchidism can lead to serious complications such as infertility, testicular cancer and testicular loss. It is therefore important to correctly diagnose the condition and determine appropriate treatment options.
What Are The Consequences Of Untreated Cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism is defined as a condition in which the testicles are not located in the scrotum and, if left untreated, can lead to a number of serious health problems. Firstly, the testicles remain outside the body in a warmer than normal environment, which can lead to reduced sperm production and infertility.
Also, untreated cryptorchidism can increase the risk of testicular cancer because when the testicles are not located inside the normally cold scrotum, there is a more favorable environment for cancer to develop.
If not treated early, this condition can also lead to complications such as inguinal hernia and testicular torsion. Therefore, timely treatment of cryptorchidism is very important to prevent long-term health problems.
Is Cryptorchidism Surgery Risky?
Cryptorchidism surgery is a surgical intervention to restore the testicle to its normal position. Although this surgery is generally considered safe, it carries some risks as with any surgical procedure.
Postoperative complications such as infection, bleeding and problems with wound healing may occur. In addition, side effects such as failure of the testicle to fully perform its normal functions, pain or scar tissue formation are also possible.
However, surgery performed by an experienced surgeon has a high success rate and such risks are usually minimal. It is important that the patient is followed up regularly after surgery.