Undescended Testicles

Testicles form in your unborn baby's lower belly. During the last few months of your pregnancy, their testicles typically move down from the stomach area and descend into their scrotum. If this process is delayed or stops, an undescended testicle occurs.

It's not known exactly what causes this to happen. However, some factors may increase the risk of your child being born with undescended testicles, including:

• premature birth 
• low birth weight
• a family history of undescended testicles
• testosterone deficiency during fetal development
• certain health conditions in your baby, such as cerebral palsy or a problem with the abdominal wall
• their mother having diabetes before or during pregnancy
• alcohol consumption during pregnancy
• smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy
• exposure to pesticides during pregnancy

Undescended testicles are usually detected by a doctor at a newborn physical examination, which happens soon after birth, or during a routine check-up when your baby is 6 to 8 weeks old.

Whether or not your child is born with undescended testicles is mainly down to chance – there is no known way to prevent it.

In most cases, the testicles will naturally descend into the scrotum within the first few months of your child’s life without any treatment. If their testicles haven't descended within 6 months, it’s recommended that they receive treatment before they reach 12 months old.

This is because, if left untreated, undescended testicles can lead to complications in later life such as fertility problems, testicular torsion, inguinal hernia, hypogonadism (low testosterone) and increased risk of testicular cancer.

The most common treatment for undescended testicles is a simple surgery called an orchidopexy. A small incision is made in your baby’s groin to locate the testicle. Another incision is then made in the scrotum, and the testicle is moved down and repositioned into its proper place. 

If the testicle is high up in the abdomen, a type of keyhole surgery called a laparoscopy may be carried out to locate it. The testicle can sometimes be repositioned during this procedure, but an orchidopexy may also be required. 

At Welbeck, orchidopexy and laparoscopy procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic on an outpatient basis. This means your child will not have to stay in hospital overnight. 

At Welbeck, our urologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient. Your child will receive the best possible care throughout their procedure in a welcoming and supportive environment where you both feel listened to. 

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure your child receives the treatment they need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Undescended testicles are incredibly common in newborn boys, and treatment, if required, is straightforward and effective. 

If your baby has undescended testicles, book a consultation with one of our paediatric specialists today. At the appointment, they’ll examine your child, advise on the best approach to treatment, and answer any questions you may have.

Your child’s health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

What do undescended testicles look like?

Undescended testicles can make the scrotum look underdeveloped, or smaller and flatter than normal. If only one testicle is undescended, the scrotum may also look uneven and lopsided.

At what age should a boy’s testicles drop?

In most cases, a boy's testicles will naturally descend into the scrotum by the time he is 3 to 6 months old.

When should you fix undescended testicles?

Surgery is usually required to move the testicles into the scrotum if they haven’t descended by themselves by the time your child is 6 months old.

Can you father children with an undescended testicle?

If you did not have treatment for undescended testicles as a child, it's possible to have children, but your fertility rate may be lower.