Undescended testes: causes, symptoms and treatment & bull; hello healthy

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Understanding undescended testes

Undescended testis otherwise known as undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) is a condition of the testicles that have not moved into an appropriate position within the scrotum or the pouch of skin that hangs under the penis. Generally this condition only occurs in one testicle, but about 10% of cases occur in both testicles.

Undescended testicles are closely related to fertility problems. This is because the function of the testes is related to the production of sperm for the pregnancy process. Normally just before the baby is born, the testes will descend into the scrotum or testicles.

If experienced undescended testicle , then the testicles will grow and enlarge in the stomach, near the kidneys. The testicles must descend into the testicles, otherwise they risk causing health problems such as the following.

1. Fertility disorders

Research shows that when only one testicle is undescended, a person's fertility rate drops to 80 percent. Meanwhile, if both testicles do not descend, the fertility rate is only 50 percent.

Fertility problems due to undescended testicles are caused because the temperature in the stomach is higher than the temperature of the pubic pouch. As a result, the process of sperm formation will be disrupted and reduce its quality.

If the testes remain in the stomach until a person is 12 years old and are not handled properly, then the child is at risk of not being able to produce sperm forever, aka infertility.

2. Tumors and cancer

If the testicles do not descend, there is a higher risk of developing abnormal cells or testicular tumors. Because, under normal conditions, the testes must descend into the scrotum or testicles.

Although only one testicle is undescended, this condition can also affect the normal testes in the scrotum. There is also the possibility that these abnormal cells are destructive and malignant, thus increasing the risk of testicular cancer.

How common is this condition?

Undescended testicles usually occur in baby boys who are born prematurely or are born very small. Quoted from the National Health Service, it is estimated that 1 in 25 babies are born with the condition undescended testicle .

Until now, no one really knows the factors that cause this condition. Therefore it is important to always consult a doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms of undescended testis

Symptoms of undescended testicles are not easy to detect. The baby will not feel sick and will not cause any complaints, for example when urinating.

Generally, after a baby boy is born, the doctor will confirm whether the testicles have dropped or not. This must be confirmed and the doctor will also inform the baby's parents of this condition.

As a parent, you can also do a self-examination by seeing and feeling the testicles of the baby.

It is said that it hasn't dropped if the scrotum looks flat and there are no protrusions. If it is small or flat, parents should be suspicious of the possibility of undescended testicles.

When to see a doctor?

The condition of undescended testicles in babies can be detected by doctors immediately from birth. If the baby has this condition, you should ask how often this condition needs to be observed.

The doctor will also tell you that your baby's testicles will still be dropping until they are around 9 months old. If the testicles still do not appear, immediately consult a doctor.

Troubleshooting undescended testes since infancy can reduce the risk of diseases of the reproductive organs in later life, such as fertility disorders to testicular cancer.

Causes of the undescended testicle

Until now, it is not certain what causes cryptorchidism or problems with undescended testicles. However, it is suspected that there are two main causes, namely due to hormone deficiency and the emergence of some kind of fiber or tissue that inhibits the descent of the testicles.

The testes should begin descending into the scrotum in the womb when the fetus is around 7 months old. But if it does not go down after the baby is born, then this condition can be waited until the baby is 9 months old or according to the doctor's advice.

Physiologically, the testes can still descend on their own until the baby is 9 months old. Generally, babies will be observed again when they are 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months.

This aims to see whether the testicular condition has dropped or not. If it is up to 9 months of age and the testicles do not descend, the doctor will recommend several treatment methods.

Risk factors for undescended testicles

Some of the risk factors below can influence the likelihood of developing the condition undescended testes in babies, including:

• Babies born with low birth weight (LBW)
• Babies are born prematurely
• Active or passive smoking during pregnancy
• Alcohol consumption during pregnancy
• Exposure to chemicals, such as pesticides, during pregnancy
• Family history of the condition undescended testicle or other genital development disorders
• Other conditions that affect fetal development, such as Down syndrome and defects of the stomach wall (gastroschisis)

Diagnosis & treatment of undescended testicles

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed by a doctor?

Doctors in general will immediately diagnose the condition undescended testes through physical examination with palpation techniques or palpating the scrotum. This is to check whether or not the testicles are born after the baby is born.

Several other advanced tests can diagnose this condition, such as:

• Laparoscopy: a medical procedure that involves inserting a telescope through a small incision to see the abdomen and the organs around the pelvis. Apart from making a diagnosis, this procedure can also be followed by surgery if needed.
• Ultrasound (USG) and CT scan: imaging tests to help doctors see parts of the body more clearly and determine the appropriate treatment.

How to treat undescended testicle ?

Treatment undescended testes preferably done before the baby is 12-18 months old. This can reduce the risk of complications, such as fertility problems and testicular cancer.

The main goal of this treatment is to return the testicles to their true position, namely in the scrotum or scrotum. The methods commonly used are hormone therapy and surgery.

1. Hormone therapy

Handling undescended testicle through hormone therapy is done by injecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). This HCG hormone can help the process of lowering the testicles into the scrotal pouch.

Unfortunately, hormone therapy to treat this condition is rarely recommended. This is related to the low level of effectiveness when compared to surgery.

2. orchidopexy operation

The operation to lower the testes into the scrotal pouch is known as orchidopexy.

The surgeon will make an incision in the groin and a small incision in the scrotum. The testes will then be lowered into the scrotum. If the surgeon finds the testicles are small and malfunctioning, they will generally perform the removal process.

This operation usually lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour. The orchidopexy procedure recovery takes place approximately 1 week post-surgery.

Medication to help treat undescended testicles

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help with undescended testicles?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, here are some lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you recover from medical conditions, such as:

• Always regularly check the condition of the baby's testicles, for example, when changing diapers or taking a shower to ensure that their development is normal.
• If your child is getting older and entering puberty, teach him to always pay attention to his body development. Mainly to check the health of the testicles themselves to detect diseases, such as tumors or cancer.

No special steps can prevent it undescended testes . However, ensuring a healthy lifestyle and regular control during pregnancy can reduce the risk of these health problems.

If you have any questions, immediately consult a doctor for the best solution to your problem.