Cryptorchidism – Causes, Symptoms & Therapy

Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is an abnormal position of the male testicle. The testicle lies outside the scrotum due to a developmental disorder. Cryptorchidism affects only newborns, in whom this anomaly is detected mainly during the first year of life, very rarely only after the end of the first year.

What is cryptorchidism?

Cryptorchidism is improper arrangement of the testicles. This is also often referred to as undescended testicles. Normally, both testicles are located in what is known as the scrotum. If cryptorchidism is present, at least one of the testicles is not in the intended position. During the development of the male embryo in the mother’s body, the so-called testicular descent takes place.

In the course of development, the testicles migrate to their intended place in the scrotum. This migration of the testicles is considered a sign of mature development in humans . Once the testicles have migrated, this is a sign of maturity in a newborn. This is why cryptorchidism occurs mainly in premature babies.

Causes

There are a few different causes of cryptorchidism. It is now known that certain factors in pregnancy favor cryptorchidism. These include, above all, premature births, since the development in the womb could then not be fully completed. But even with a breech position, the risk of a bearing anomaly of the testicles is significantly increased. It has also been observed that low infant birth weight often favors cryptorchidism.

Genetic factors also play a role. If there were already cases of cryptorchidism in the family, the risk for the offspring to also suffer from this malformation is significantly higher. It is now also assumed that taking certain painkillers during pregnancy can be responsible for cryptorchidism. These include painkillers from the analgesic drug group. As a precaution, such preparations should therefore be avoided during pregnancy.

Symptoms and course

The symptoms of cryptorchidism manifest themselves primarily on the optical path. It is clearly noticeable that one or both scrotums are not filled with the testicles. Depending on where the testicles are located, contusions can cause pain when moving. However, cryptorchidism can also be completely painless. The course of a cryptorchidism is completely different.

In many affected infants, the testicles spontaneously migrate into the scrotum in the first few months of life. If they remain there permanently, there is no reason for further therapy. However, there are also cases in which the testicles do not migrate into the scrotum on their own. Appropriate therapeutic measures must then be considered. These can be done hormonally or by means of surgery.

Diagnose

Diagnosis is by palpation of the scrotum. An ultrasound scan can help confirm the diagnosis. With a mirroring of the abdominal cavity, a so-called laparoscopy , the whereabouts of the missing testicle can be identified. Very rarely, CT and MRI are used to make the diagnosis.

If the missing testicle cannot be found with the imaging methods, it is possible to examine the tissue specifically for certain hormones in order to clarify the whereabouts of the testicle.

Complications

Cryptorchidism results in a misalignment of the testicles in the unborn child’s body. Normally, it is not possible to determine where the testicles are located, as the course of the disease varies greatly from patient to patient. An operation to correct the symptoms is only possible after the birth. Complications usually do not arise. However, injuries in the area of ​​the urinary tract cannot be ruled out.

Infections or wound healing disorders can also occur if errors occur during the procedure and later during the aftercare. The migration of the testicles themselves does not result in any symptoms for those affected. In the long term, however, cryptorchidism can cause a tumor, which is why treatment is necessary in any case. Testicular dystopia can also lead to infertility and thus lead to significant limitations in the life of the affected person. In the absence of treatment, psychological symptoms, but also physical complications such as hormonal imbalances , can occur. In a few cases, cryptorchidism goes away on its own.

Treatment and therapy

Cryptorchidism does not require immediate treatment. As a rule, the first 6 months of the infant’s life are awaited to see whether the condition returns to normal. It is quite possible that the testicles migrate during this time, finally arrive in the scrotum and remain there permanently. If there is no improvement after this period, hormone therapy can be given to encourage the testes to migrate by promoting the maturation process.

If this therapeutic measure is unsuccessful, the only option is surgery. The testicles are permanently fixed in the scrotum so that wandering is no longer possible. Many experts believe that this procedure should be completed by the age of one year, but opinions differ on this point. After the testicles have been surgically fixed in the scrotum, hormone therapy can be repeated to ensure the success of the treatment and to avoid consequential damage. But this form of therapy is also controversial.

In any case, regular check-ups should be carried out in the case of cryptorchidism, even if it has already been successfully treated. The attending doctor will recommend an appropriate examination interval that should be strictly observed in order to regularly control the situation.

Prevention

Reliable prevention of cryptorchidism is only possible to a limited extent. Known risk factors that promote premature birth or a low birth weight should therefore be avoided. Analgesics should also only be taken during pregnancy after a detailed benefit/risk assessment.

The attending gynecologist must always be included in the decision. If there is a family history of cryptorchidism, doctors should be made aware of this in the event of pregnancy and childbirth so that appropriate investigations can be carried out quickly.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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