What is "cryptorchidism"?

What is "cryptorchidism"?

Philip Werthman, FACS (Director, Center for Male Reproductive Medicine) gives expert video advice on: What is "cryptorchidism"?; How is cryptorchidism treated?; What is "hypospadias"? and more...

Cryptorchidism is a term that we use to describe a condition known as an undescended testicle. When boys are born, about one percent of the time, one or both testicles won't be descended down into the sac. Many times, during the first six to eight months of life, the testicles would descend by themselves spontaneously as the child grows. But in certain individuals, this won't happen. The testicle will remain either in the abdomen or it will remain in the inguinal canal, which is the area where men get hernias. If that's the case, then a minor surgery needs to be performed to free up the testicle and place it in the scrotum to preserve fertility.