Is cryptorchidism the same as undescended testes?

Overview. An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) is a testicle that hasn’t moved into its proper position in the bag of skin hanging below the penis (scrotum) before birth. Usually just one testicle is affected, but about 10 percent of the time both testicles are undescended.

How serious is an undescended testicle?

If the testicles don’t drop into the scrotum, they may not function normally and produce healthy sperm. This can lead to infertility later in life. Males born with undescended testicles also have a higher risk of testicular cancer in adulthood.

Is cryptorchidism serious?

Takeaway. Cryptorchidism is a common and treatable condition in which one or both testicles does not drop into the scrotal sac while a male fetus is developing. The condition resolves in 50 percent of cases without treatment.

Can cryptorchidism be corrected?

Surgery. An undescended testicle is usually corrected with surgery. The surgeon carefully manipulates the testicle into the scrotum and stitches it into place (orchiopexy). This procedure can be done either with a laparoscope or with open surgery.

Can you make a baby with one testicle?

Yes, in most cases, people with one testicle can get someone pregnant. Remember, one testicle can provide enough testosterone for you to get an erection and ejaculate. This is also enough to produce adequate sperm for fertilization.

Can a man with one testicle get a woman pregnant?

Can a man with 1 testicle have babies?

How Much Does It Affect Fertility? Men with one undescended testicle can still have children, but their fertility is lower than normal by roughly half. If they have surgery to correct it, especially when younger, their fertility is about the same as if they never had a problem.

How long does cryptorchid surgery take?

During the surgery, your child will be given a numbing medication—either an injection in the low back called a caudal (COD-ull) or directly into the incision (in-SIZH-yun), or cut—to relieve discomfort after the surgery. This surgery takes about 45 minutes, but recovery from the anesthesia might take several hours.