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Questions posted in the
The Urology Forum have been answered by urologists from Henry Ford Health System and by Dr. Kevin Pho.
Question Title: UNDESCENDED TESTICLEForum: The Urology Forum
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Posted by Martin on July 28, 1999 at 09:15:51 I have an undescended testicle. I am in my late 20's . I read in the newsgroup that it will cause infertility. Please give more information. Thanks
Posted by HFHS M.D.-JS on August 05, 1999 at 10:33:02
= Thank you for your inquiry. Pediatric urologist recommend that any testicle not in the scrotum be brought down by the age of 1-1.5 years with an orchiopexy for several reasons. Number one the development of sperm inside the testicle requires a lower temperature for the maturation process. Without the separation the scrotum provides from the body there is impaired fertility from that testicle as time progresses produce viable its often irreversible. In post-pubertal patients there may be decreased sperm counts Secondly it is important to be able to examine the testicle especially in men between the ages of 20-40 when the risk of a testicular tumor is higher. Undecesended testicles have a higher risk for developing cancer Ten percent of testicular tumors are found in an undescended testicle. Psychologically/cosmetically it is usually better to but the testicle in its anatomical position. Do to your age it is generally recommended you have an orchiopexy to allow self exams of the testicle if there is any suspicion of a mass, an orchiectomy should be performed. The testicle has lost most if not all its ability to produce viable sperm from that testicle. The contralateral testicle, if unaffected, can still adequately produce viable sperm. If you are currently unable to have children, please consult your local physician who can refer you to a urologist to perform a possible orchiopexy and infertility workup. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568).
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