It’s true that there are certain concerns common to all mothers of babies, regardless of gender or their unique circumstances. However, there are also worries that are exclusive to mothers of boys, and one of these concerns is when the testicle hasn’t descended after the age of one. This is a problem that can happen and it’s important to be aware of it. But why does this happen? What kind of complications can it bring? How do you resolve it? Let’s talk about all of this and take a deeper look at the topic overall.

Baby Born Without Testicles

It’s not uncommon for a baby boy to be born “without testicles.” In fact, it’s not that he doesn’t have these organs, it’s that they’re still inside the body, in the abdominal cavity, which happens even more often in premature babies. The testicles naturally migrate to the scrotum with hormonal stimulation and start to develop there. When, after a certain period, one testicle doesn’t descend—or both do not—this condition is called cryptorchidism, which occurs in about 3% of babies, and in premature children, the number rises to 20%1.

Why Does This Happen?

We don’t know exactly why these testicular problems happen, but we do know that it typically occurs inside the mother’s womb, around the seventh month of pregnancy. So for premature babies, that explains why it’s more common. But there are also indications that other factors may be involved, such as a hormonal problem in the mother during pregnancy, an issue in the development of certain baby muscles, or even something in the baby’s body physically blocking the testicle’s path.

What Is a Retractile Testicle?

Unlike cryptorchidism, a retractile testicle2 stays in its usual place when the baby is at rest, but sometimes slips out of place. When this condition is properly identified, it doesn’t need any treatment, as the testicle will stay in its normal position as the child grows. The main concern with cryptorchidism is due to the possibility of the baby growing up and becoming an infertile adult, among other problems it can cause. What happens is that if the testicles aren’t in the scrotum, they don’t mature properly, which can lead to those issues. Additionally, if this condition isn’t properly treated, there’s a risk of the testicles atrophying.

Surgery for Undescended Testicles

If a testicle hasn’t descended by six months of age, it’s unlikely to come down on its own, and surgery may be needed. This type of operation is performed until, at most, two years of age, although many doctors recommend doing it as soon as possible to correct the problem before it causes any serious consequences for the boy3.

Is the Procedure Simple or Risky?

The surgical process is simple, with the baby under general anesthesia and the doctor moving the testicle to where it should be. Depending on the level of the problem, the surgery may be performed in stages and could take a little longer than expected. There are cases where, even after surgery, the testicle ends up out of place again, which is why good post-operative medical follow-up is needed. While the thought of surgery on a baby might frighten parents, it’s important to stay calm and know that the procedure is simple and rarely requires hospitalization. It’s very common for babies to be discharged the same day as surgery, needing only to return for post-surgical follow-up as mentioned. Noticing that a testicle hasn’t descended is a warning sign for parents to take their son to a doctor to check if there’s really a problem and what steps should be taken next. But it’s always important to stay calm and only take action after you know exactly what it is and how the medical procedures will go. Many times, the baby’s body can resolve the problem on its own, needing only regular observation by a doctor to make sure everything is fine. By following this guidance, this is unlikely to become a major problem for the boy’s life. See also: What is a Varicocele? Causes and Treatment Photo: cabujak