What is cryptorchidism?
Disease description:
This morning, my colleagues were discussing undescended testicles. I didn't know what it meant either. What is an undescended testicle?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Undescended testicle, or cryptorchidism, refers to a condition in which one or both testicles in a male infant have not descended into the scrotum and remain in the abdominal cavity or inguinal region after birth.
Under normal circumstances, during the later stages of fetal development, the testicles gradually descend from their original position behind the peritoneum near the kidneys and reach the scrotum before birth. If this process is disrupted, it may lead to cryptorchidism. Undescended testicles may increase the risk of infertility in adulthood and can also impair normal testicular function, as sperm production cannot occur properly at the higher body temperatures found inside the body.
In addition, undescended testicles have a higher risk of developing malignant tumors, particularly testicular cancer.
