Bengaluru: Undescended testis in young boys should be identified and treated at the right time to help protect testicular development and future fertility, said Dr. G. Harica Reddy, MS, M.Ch, Consultant Pediatric Surgeon, Medicover Children’s Surgery Centre, Medicover Women & Children Hospital, Whitefield, Bengaluru. Delayed treatment may have lifelong consequences, including impaired fertility, poor testicular development and a higher risk of testicular cancer.
Cryptorchidism, or undescended testis, refers to a condition in which one or both testes fail to reach the scrotum before birth or soon after birth. Some testes may descend on their own during the first few months. However, if a testis remains undescended beyond six months of corrected age, the child should be promptly assessed by a pediatric surgeon.
Dr. Harica Reddy stressed the importance of examining the testes during every routine well-child visit. The examination should ensure that both testes are present in the scrotum, remain there without tension and have not moved back upwards after previously descending. Parents should consult a specialist if the testis remains undescended after six months, if a previously descended testis is later found outside the scrotum, or if both testes cannot be felt.
She cautioned parents against waiting for the child to become older or for symptoms to develop before seeking treatment. Unnecessary ultrasound scans before specialist consultation are also generally not required, as clinical examination by a pediatric surgeon is usually sufficient to decide the appropriate management.
The recommended treatment, known as orchiopexy, is best performed between six and 12 months of age and should be completed no later than 18 months. Early surgery supports normal testicular development, improves the potential for future fertility and may help reduce the risk of later complications.
“A normal newborn examination does not replace repeated assessment during routine well-child visits. In some children, a testis that was previously in the scrotum may move upwards later, making regular follow-up essential. If parents are unsure whether the testis is retractile or truly undescended, they should consult a pediatric surgeon without delay,” said Dr. G. Harica Reddy.
Medicover Women & Children Hospital urges parents to ensure that children receive regular pediatric check-ups. Early detection, timely referral and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference to long-term health outcomes.
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