Locations:
Search IconSearch

5 Things to Know If Your Baby’s Testicle Hasn’t Dropped

Facts about undescended testicles from a urologist

Baby having diaper changed

You’re likely concerned if your baby boy is missing a testicle at birth. But don’t panic — it’s probably there, but you just can’t see it.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

While in the uterus, a baby’s testicles initially develop in his abdominal cavity. Not long before birth, they typically ‘drop’ (the proper medical term is descend) into his scrotum. In some cases, though, one or both testicles fail to descend before birth. This is known as an undescended testicle or what doctors call cryptorchidism.

Cryptorchidism is not that uncommon for baby boys, especially if they’re born early. It only happens in about 3% of full-term babies, but the percentage rises to 30% in premature baby boys.

So what should you do? Pediatric urologist Jeffrey Donohoe, MD, discusses five key facts you should know about undescended testicles:

1. In 80% of babies who have cryptorchidism, the testicle is found in the groin.

In that case, your pediatrician likely is able to feel it during a physical exam. If your doctor can’t feel the testicle, it may also be in the abdomen. In either case, the condition isn’t likely painful for your son.

2. Cryptorchidism can be caused by different factors.

Dr. Donohoe says it can either be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (the testicle moves up out of the scrotum as your child begins to grow).

3. Imaging studies aren’t recommended.

Undescended testicles are typically diagnosed during a physical exam. Your child should not need an ultrasound, X-rays, a CT scan, an MRI or any other type of imaging study.

4. You need to see a specialist.

“Most pediatricians are good at identifying cryptorchidism early on and referring the infant to a urologist,” says Dr. Donohoe. You should take your son to a urologist by the time he is 6 months old, or sooner, if you have concerns or questions.

Advertisement

If your child has both cryptorchidism and hypospadias (a birth defect in which the opening of the urethra is not located at the tip of the penis), he will need further evaluation to make sure he won’t have problems with sexual development. And if the cryptorchidism is bilateral (on both sides), he could also be at risk for problems with sexual development.

5. Treatment may require surgery.

It’s possible that the testicle will descend on its own by the time your baby is 6 months old. If it doesn’t, he will need surgery. The good news is that surgical repair is an outpatient procedure made with small incisions. If the testicle is in the abdomen, the procedure can be performed laparoscopically, a minimally invasive approach.

Even though cryptorchidism isn’t painful, it is important to address in order to reduce the risk of complications from testicular cancer and infertility.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

mother with newborn on chest in hospital bed
January 3, 2024/Children's Health
Will Tongue-Tie Surgery Help Your Baby Breastfeed?

Most parents report an improvement in breastfeeding, but there’s a chance the procedure won’t solve the issue

Mom burps gassy baby who sits on her lap.
May 22, 2023/Children's Health
Why Gripe Water Isn’t the Best Answer for Your Fussy, Gassy or Colicky Baby

Gripe water isn’t regulated by the FDA, and research doesn’t support its use

Caregiver reading to sick child holding teddybear in bed
October 25, 2024/Children's Health
Does Your Child Have RSV? Here’s What You Can Do

Getting extra rest, drinking fluids and taking over-the-counter medications can help your little one bounce back

Caregiver holding a baby receiving a vaccination shot from a healthcare provider
October 15, 2024/Children's Health
Can an RSV Vaccine Protect Infants From the Virus?

The first year of the RSV immunization program brought promising results

Mother gazing down at baby while breastfeeding
August 26, 2024/Children's Health
Can Your Baby Be Allergic to Your Breast Milk?

It’s highly unlikely your baby will have an allergic reaction to food you eat while you’re breastfeeding

Healthcare provider in scrubs and mask in operating room checking IV line
July 8, 2024/Children's Health
Is Anesthesia Safe for Kids?

Advances in technology and medications have made the process safer than ever

Baby in onesie asleep on back
February 12, 2024/Children's Health
When Can I Put My Baby To Sleep on Their Stomach?

Your baby needs to able to roll in both directions before they can make the switch

baby crying
November 3, 2023/Children's Health
Why Is Your Baby Crying?

They could be hungry, gassy, colicky or sleepy, or even too hot or too cold

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad