- Definition: failure of one or both testicles to descend to their natural position in the scrotum
- Testes normally complete their descent into the scrotum by the 4th month of life.
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Inguinal testis: The testicle is located between the external and internal inguinal ring, preventing adequate mobilization (90% of cases).
Clinical features
Diagnostics
- Laboratory tests
- Testosterone
- Bilateral cryptorchidism: ↓ testosterone levels
- Unilateral cryptorchidism: normal levels (normal Leydig cell function)
- ↓ Inhibin B
- ↑ FSH, ↑ LH
- Testosterone
Treatment
Complications
- Testicular cancer (germ cell tumors): The risk of testicular cancer is not eliminated by surgery.
- Infertility: higher temperature of the abdominal cavity is suboptimal for spermatogenesis → oligospermia → infertility
- Testicular torsion
- Inguinal hernia