Re: Undecended Testicle

Posted By HFHS M.D.-AK on September 08, 1998 at 08:29:12:

In Reply to: Undecended Testicle posted by Lana on August 29, 1998 at 09:26:21:






My 16 year old son has one testicle that has not decended.  He had surgery at 3 years of age which was sucessful at the time, but the testicle has since ascended.  I checked him from time to time and as he got older I asked him about it, he told me everything was fine.  Recently, he informed me that ascended a long time ago.  I am aware he needs to see a urologist because testicular cancer is a serious concern. He has some serious concerns about fertility.  If the 2nd surgery is unsucessful, will he be able to father children with 1 testicle only?  He is quite concerned about this and I would like to put his mind at ease.
Also, is this condition hereditary?  His uncle had the same condition, although neither of his testicles decended, but his surgery was sucessful at a young age.
Thank you
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Dear Lana,
I think your  son needs to be seen by your urologist relatively soon. This is not an emergency but an urgency.  If he truly has had  an undescended testicle that was initially operated on that has returned to its original position, he most likely  will need surgical removal. At this point in development his affected testis is unlikely to make sperm though it will make male hormone. If the opposite testis seems normal then he has a poorly functioning structure with a risk of cancer.
Undescended testis is associated with many genetic syndromes, it does not surprise me that some one else in the family had a cryptorchid testicle.  You are correct in your concern about fertility issues. The literature, however,  is not clear in this regard. If a patient has been operated on at an early age, their chances of fertility from this side are maximized.  I dont know the specifics about your sons case so it is difficult for me to comment.  Your urologist can give you the percentages and answer your questions.  The fact that only one testis was affected, will increase your chances of successful fertility.  Patients in traumatic situations that lose one testicle are able to father children often without difficulty.  The fact that your son had an undescended testicle does complicate the fertility issue but dont lose hope, when the time comes he can be further evaluated if necessary.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.  More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-AK
*keyword: Undescended Testis

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