Undescended testicles

The main symptom of undescended testicles is not being able to feel 2 round glands (testicles) inside your child's scrotum. You may only be able to feel 1 testicle, or neither.

Undescended testicles are usually found when your child has their newborn physical examination. This examination usually happens in the first few days after they're born.

It's rare for adult men to have undescended testicles.

See a GP if:

Undescended testicles often move into their usual place in the scrotum in the first 12 weeks after your child is born.

During this time, your child's testicles will usually be checked at their regular health visitor appointments (health and development reviews)

If only 1 testicle is affected, and it has not moved into the scrotum within 4 to 5 months, your child will usually be referred to a specialist.

If both testicles are affected, your child may be referred to a specialist sooner, usually after 8 weeks.

Your child may need surgery to move their testicles to the correct place (orchidopexy). Surgery will usually be done when your child is around 1 year old. It’s safe and effective, and your child’s surgeon will explain what happens and what to expect.

If undescended testicles are not treated, they can cause your child health problems.

It's not always known what causes undescended testicles.

When a baby boy is developing inside the womb, their testicles grow inside their tummy and later move down into the scrotum before they’re born. But sometimes the testicles do not move into the usual place.

Your baby may be at higher risk of undescended testicles if they:

• are born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
• have a low birth weight
• have relatives who had undescended testicles

Sometimes it can be caused by another condition, but this is rare.