Reliable information on urology - Patient Information
Language
  • English (EN)
  • Nederlands (NL)
  • Español (ES)
  • Deutsch (DE)
  • Français (FR)
  • العربية (AR)
  • Ελληνικά (GR)
  • Português (PT)
  • Slovenščina (SL)
  • Türkçe (TR)
  • 中國 (CN)
  • Italiano (IT)
  • Latviski (LV)
  • Suomi (FI)
  • Čeština (CZ)
  • Slovenčina (SK)
  • Polski (PL)
  • Hrvatski (HR)
  • Български (BG)
  • Shqip (AL)
  • Magyar nyelv (HU)
  • Eesti keel (EE)
  • No elements found. Consider changing the search query.
  • List is empty.
Search
I want to know about all treatment options

Watchful waiting for cryptorchidism

Watchful waiting may be recommended in some cases of cryptorchidism, especially in infants, as the testicle may descend naturally. This page explains when and why this approach is used.

Related topics for further reading

Frequently asked questions

If your boy has a testicle that moves back and forth between the scrotum and groin (retractile testicle), he usually won’t need treatment. However, regular check-ups are important until puberty to make sure the testicle stays in the correct right place and don’t move back into the belly.

If the testicle hasn’t dropped into the scrotum by 1 year old, or by 18 months at the latest, treatment is needed. In some cases, doctors may recommend starting treatment after 6 months of age if it’s clear the testicle isn’t going to move down on its own.

This chapter contains general information about cryptorchidism. If you have any specific questions about cryptorchidism you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. No website or leaflet can replace a personal conversation with your doctor.

Last updated: July 2025

Reviewed by: 

  • Prof. Dr. Christian Radmayr (Guideline Panel on Paediatric Urology)
  • Assoc. Prof. Muhammet Irfan Dönmez (YAU Working Group on Paediatric Urology)

Other possible treatments

Watchful waiting for cryptorchidismSurgery for cryptorchidismHormonal treatment for cryptorchidismTreatment for cryptorchidism based on testicle locationFollow-up for cryptorchidism

Where am I in my journey?

I want to know about all treatment optionsFrequently asked questions

Condition

CryptorchidismAll conditions
Reliable information on urology - Patient Information
European Association of UrologyEAU Patient OfficePrivacy policyDisclaimerContact Us