The paediatrician couldn’t find testicles in my baby’s scrotum after birth. What should we do?
Your baby’s doctor will check their genitals regularly. Sometimes, the testicles move down into the scrotum by 6 months old. If they don’t, the doctor may send you to a specialist who will look at your child and suggest what to do next.
When do the testicles normally descend?
In most cases, the testicles have moved into the scrotum by the time the baby is 6 months old.
The doctor asked me to watch the position of my son’s testicle, but I can’t find it in the scrotum. What should I do?
Try checking your son when he’s relaxed, like during a warm bath or while he’s asleep. If you still can’t find the testicle, let your doctor know.
Our paediatrician confirmed that our son has cryptorchidism. Can we avoid surgery?
You can talk to a children’s (paediatric) surgeon or urologist about any worries you have. They will explain if surgery is needed and talk about when and what kind of surgery would be best.
Our 12-year-old son’s testicle used to be in the scrotum, but the paediatrician found it in the groin during his last check-up. Will the testicle be damaged?
The groin is not a good place for the testicle, and it might affect how it works. Sometimes the testicle can move back and forth (called retractile) and may not need surgery. Other times, it may be undescended. Watching where the testicle is when your son is relaxed, like during a warm bath, helps the doctor decide if treatment is needed.
Our son had surgery to bring the testicle into the scrotum. Will this affect his fertility? Can he have children when he grows up?
If surgery to treat the undescended testicle is done (orchidopexy) before your child is 18 months old, his chance of having children later is almost the same as other men. But if both testicles were undescended, there is a higher chance of problems with fertility. After puberty, a simple test called a sperm analysis can check how well his fertility is.
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: May 2025