Cryptorchidism, also known as undescended testicles, is a condition in which one or both testicles fail to move down from the abdomen, where they develop before birth, into the scrotum
. It is the most common birth defect of the male genital tract, affecting about 3% of full-term and 30% of premature infant boys at birth, though many cases resolve spontaneously within the first year of life
. Normally, the testes develop in the abdomen and descend into the scrotum during the last months of pregnancy through the inguinal canal. In cryptorchidism, this descent is incomplete or delayed, resulting in the testicle being located anywhere along the path of descent-from the abdomen to the inguinal canal-or sometimes in an abnormal (ectopic) location outside this path
. The main sign of cryptorchidism is the absence of one or both testicles in the scrotum upon physical examination
. It may be diagnosed shortly after birth or during early childhood. If the testicle does not descend naturally within a few months, surgical intervention (orchiopexy) is typically recommended to move the testicle into the scrotum
. Cryptorchidism is associated with increased risks, including infertility and a higher likelihood of developing testicular cancer later in life
. It may also be accompanied by inguinal hernia, especially in younger children
. In summary, cryptorchidism is a congenital condition characterized by the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum, requiring monitoring and often surgical treatment to reduce long-term complications
