Undescended Testicle in Babies: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Male infants are typically born with two testicles. If one (or both) fails to descend into the scrotum before birth, it is called cryptorchidism (undescended testicle).

• Prevalence: ~3% of full-term, ~30% of preterm male infants.
• Spontaneous descent: Most descend by 6 months of age.
• Treatment: If not descended by 6–12 months, surgical correction (orchiopexy) is recommended to preserve fertility and reduce cancer risk.

Early evaluation by a pediatrician or pediatric urologist is advised.