Undescended testis

An undescended testis is a condition in which one or both testicles have not moved into the scrotum before birth. It is more common in premature babies.

Yes, some testicles move into the scrotum naturally during the first six months of life. After six months, spontaneous descent becomes much less likely.

If a testicle has not descended by six months of age, your child should be evaluated by a specialist. Older children with a newly noticed undescended testis should also be assessed.

A testicle that remains undescended usually requires surgery called orchiopexy. Specialists generally recommend completing treatment by 18 months of age to support healthy testicular development.

Yes, an untreated undescended testis may affect fertility and is associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer. Early treatment supports testicular health but does not remove these risks completely.