You may Want to Check if one or both your Testes are Hiding Somewhere.

Introduction

You may be wondering how a testis can hide. Do not stress your brain, thinking too much. Just know that, indeed, the testis can “hide.”

Cryptorchidsm is the term used to describe an undescended
or hidden testis. It is a congenital (occurring from birth) and pathological (diseased) condition that occurs when the testis fails to descend into the scrotum. 

Development of the Testes

During the development of a baby, the testis is formed at the posterior abdominal wall. Then, later, it begins to gradually descend into the scrotum, passing through the inguinal canal — an oblique passage located at the lower aspect of the anterior abdominal wall, on both sides of the body. When the testis fails to reach the scrotum,
the condition is referred to as cryptorchidsm or undescended testis, as earlier stated. This abnormality can involve one testis (unilateral) or both testes (bilateral). It is also possible for a baby to be born without one or both testes Undescended testes could be healthy and work normally. Sometimes, however, undescended testes do not develop properly; hence, they do not function as they should.

Varying Positions of an Undescended Testis

The position of an undescended testis varies: a testis could be lodged in the abdomen, within the inguinal canal or high up in the scrotum. Other positions include: in front of the pubis (one of the three bones that unite to form the hip bone), in the perineum (the region of the body around the genital organ and anus) or in the upper thigh. Any of these ectopic (unusual) positions puts the testis at risk, whether during childhood, adolescence or adulthood.

Incidence of Cryptorchidsm

It is important to note that:

•        3 out of 100 full-term male babies are born with cryptorchidsm.
•         95% of the undescended testes involve just one testis (testicle)
•         30 out of 100 premature infants are born with undescended testes.

What are the causes of Cryptorchidsm?

The cause of cryptorchidsm  is unknown. It is not caused by anything done by a woman during pregnancy. Therefore, there are ongoing researches to ascertain its cause.

What are the effects of Cryptorchidsm?

Some of the effects of undescended testis incude:

•         Damaged testis
•         Infertility
•         Testicular cancer.

How is cryptorchidsm treated?

Surgery remains the best treatment used by doctors to bring down the testis. This type of surgery is known as orchiopexy, and it is best done when a child is between 6months to 1year old. But the downside of this technique is that the testis may be damaged in the process.

In adults, orchiopexy or orchiectomy (removal of the undescended testis) can be done. A study done by a team of researchers in Korea revealed that most cryptorchid adults who were analysed preferred orchiopexy to orchiectomy.  

Apart from surgery, researchers have found that hormonal treatment with hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) may be used to retract an undescended testis, especially in children whose undescended testis is near the scrotum. However, more study needs to be done to know for sure how effective hormonal treatment can be.

What should you do in a case of cryptorchidsm?

The only thing to do when you discover that you or your child has an undescended testis is to see a doctor. Your doctor will discuss with you the treatment method to use.

Conclusion

Cryptorchidsm is not a life-threatening defect. However, it should be treated when it is discovered in a baby or in an adult; and it is better treated in children who are between 6months to 1year old. In adults, when orchiopexy or orchiectomy is done, a follow up is necessary to prevent complications or to check for malignancy (cancer)

Keywords: Cryptorchidsm, Orchiopexy, Orchiectomy, Inguinal Canal, Infertility, Testicular malignancy

sources: ncbi.nlm.nih/gov/pmc/articles/PMC4166369/

                ncbi.nlm.nih/gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0059900/,