Undescended testicles are rare, but if treatment is delayed or left untreated, it can cause male-related infertility and increase the risk of inguinal hernia and testicular cancer. For this reason, both parents and specialists who perform routine health checks of babies should be aware of undescended testicles and monitor whether the testicles descend into the …
Undescended testicles are rare, but if treatment is delayed or left untreated, it can cause male-related infertility and increase the risk of inguinal hernia and testicular cancer. For this reason, both parents and specialists who perform routine health checks of babies should be aware of undescended testicles and monitor whether the testicles descend into the scrotum in the early stages after the babies are born.
WHAT CAUSES UNDESCENDED TESTICLES?
Although the factors that cause undescended testicles are not known for sure, it can be stated that there are various risk factors that can lead to this health problem. Premature birth, the presence of a family history of undescended testicles, structural anomalies in the “gubernaculum” ligament, conditions that prevent fetal development such as abdominal wall defects, various factors such as the mother's smoking or alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and chemicals she is exposed to can increase the risk of undescended testicles.
RISKS CAUSED BY UNDESCENDED TESTICLES
In order for the testicles to continue their functions and development normally, they need to remain at a temperature lower than body temperature. The scrotum creates a cooling effect that allows the testicles to have a temperature lower than body temperature. When the testicles remain inside the body, many different health problems arise.
Testicular Cancer: Testicular cancer usually begins in the testicular cells that produce immature sperm. The risk of testicular cancer, which occurs as a result of the abnormal growth of these cells, is higher in people with undescended testicles. The location of the testicles in the body can also increase this risk. It is considered a riskier situation if the testicles remain in the abdominal region rather than in the groin.
Infertility: In men with undescended testicles, the risk of a decrease in sperm count, decreased sperm quality and infertility is higher due to increased testicular temperature and damage to their functions.
Complications such as testicular torsion and inguinal hernia may also occur in people with undescended testicles.
UNDESCENDED TESTICLE TREATMENT
Surgery is the definitive solution for the treatment of this health problem. A follow-up and treatment plan should be made starting from the age of 1 after the baby is born. If hormonal treatment is insufficient or if surgery is required, surgery should be performed as soon as possible after the age of 1.
With undescended testicle surgery, the testicle is placed in the ovarian sac. In order to determine the surgical method to be applied, it is first necessary to determine where the testicle is in the body. The operation can be performed with an open or closed technique; it is completed in 30-45 minutes.
