lost testicles

[lifesconcerns]

I took my 8yr old son to emerge 3 days ago as he was experiencing pain while voiding and had blood in his urine.  They took a urine sample and the Dr. examined him at which time a whole new concern came about, the Dr said his testicles could not be found, at first I thought this was not all that unusual, I thought that happened to boys due to him being nervous and cold but she said that she could not find them anywhere in the canal.  I do know he was born with them but as I told the Dr, I did not know when this may have come about as he is at the age where he bathes himself and of course is very private. She was quite upset at me about this...she went on to say that the testicles could be up in his stomach twisting and possbily rupture and that they may be or could become CANCEROUS.  All of this said infront of my son (needless to say he was and still is very upset and worried), she told me to take him immediately to childrens hospital. Once there, prior to further examination they seemed to be preparing me for the possiblitly of emergency surgery.  After examining him they told us they would be giving him a ultrasound.  In the end they did NOTHING but tell me a urologist would call this week to schedule an appointment, they said they found no cause for infection in his urine sample and that, that issue should be unrelated to the testicle issue, but they prescribed some antibiotics anyway.  He still has pain while urinating but no signs of blood.   So now I have a very worried boy, and of course I can't help but be aswell and now we play the waiting game.            So I have been trying to find out anything I can and from what I have read it can be common for boys testicles to not descend ...but his were at one point,  also it can be common for them to retract..but not to the point where they can't be found in the canal, is that correct?     Has anyone here ever heard or experienced this?      Any insight to these matters I would greatly appreciate.  Thank-you

[rmprdl1964]

Hi,

They say that the longer the testicles remain inside the inguinal abdominal area the greater the chance of infertility.

There is also a change that other problems with the testicles may arise. Your son is not in direct danger but it would be best to have the testicles surgically moved to the scrotum.

Referrals take time, it seems that they have to determine which cases are priority. It can give one the idea that some of these so called specialist don't care.

If the one testicle was located in the inguinal region (the area between the legs where thaey join the body) it is likely that the other testicle is in the same area as well. If both testicles can be located, you and your son can try to manipulate them towards the scrotum. It is important that you be gentile in doing so, if your son experiences pain he most likely does not want to do this. As an 8 year old he most likely won't feel embarresed by this and he can do some of this manipulating himself. Locate the testicles and try to push them down to the scrotum.

I was older and had my mom a female doctor and myself doing this. I did not suffer any physological problems of having this done by my mom and the female doctor.

A urologist will most likely suggest surgery. A cut is made in the lower abdomen on both side in the inguinal regeon and the testicles are brought down to the scrotum. I know this from a foster boy that my mom and dad used to have. He seemed a bit uncomfortable for about 4 days and then came around to feeling normal again.

I sincerly hope that your son will soon get the help that he needs.

God bless,

Ron

[lifesconcerns]

Thank you for your reply.   I am still waiting for a call from Urology to schedule an appointment,  I have called the hospital several times to make sure they have put a referal out and they just end up connecting me to ped's urology where they tell me they haven't received anything yet. He was there on Mar.13 it is already the 19th..I would think they would recieved it by now if it was sent out. Argh!!! Frustrating.     Since the 13th my son has located one testicle twice but it dissapears right away..the other one is still no where to be found.     In your opinion is this serious?  Should I be getting concerned how long this is taking?       I called the family Dr. and they did receive the reports but they said if we don't hear from the Urologist in two weeks then to call them and they will make a referal...should I wait that long?   It is still on my sons mind and I would like to get this figured out quickly in hopes to ease his mind.

[rmprdl1964]

Hi,

It sounds like the female doctor that you took your son to is a reall female dog (if you know what I mean).

She could have sent your son to wait and have her discuss the matter with you in private.

Most of the time abdominal pain with blood in the urine can be the result of an infection.

I can agree with you that the testicles might retract during cold or stress, mostly the cold though.

I'm not sure as to why he seemed to have had them at birth and why they can't be located now. I was born with undescended testes and did not have the right come down untill the age of 12-13.

It would be best to have him consulted by the urologist to see what the problem might be. Tell them to be up front with you.

Don't go back to this female doctor. You mind want to put in a complaint with a mdeical association in your area. This doctor had no right to speak this way to you with your son pressent to hear the conversation. This is inexcusable.

Most of all I sincerely hope that your son's testicles can be located and brought down to the scrotum.

I have one biological son and one addopted. I did not stop monitoring them untill the age of 12. I had a talk with them and told them what to watch for. Please dont' blame yourself for having given your son his privacy.

God bless.

Ron