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Urology (Expert Forum)
retractile testicle
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
retractile testicle
by marsha__0__0, Oct 26, 1998 12:00AM
my 10 year son developed pain in his right lower abdomen last week. we saw our family docter to rule out appendtics it tunred out he found that his right testicle was missing.after an ultrasound they found it to be up in the abdomen area. we are unsure of how long it has been there.we have an appt to see a peds urologist this week but can you tell some about this and the tx and long term effects this might have in him
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Dear Marsha
Thanks for your questions.
If the testicle was seen on ultrasound in the abdomen, the testicle was probably has never descended into the scrotum. Therefore, it is not a retractile testes, but an undescended testicle. Retractile testes can temporarily be withdrawn into the lower inguinal canal but can be pulled into the scrotum on physical exam. This is common in seven year old boys who’s cremasteric reflexes are at their peak. ( Creamaster muscle pull the testes up when stimulated.)
Retractile testes are believed to not negatively impact fertility unlike undescended ones. Undescended testes especially abdominal testes are at increased risk for testicular cancers. Surgery to place the testicle into the scrotum may be possible.
More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its urban campuses by calling (1 800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. MS
* Keyword: undescended testes, retractile testes, testicular cancer, infertility
---------------------------
Dear Marsha
Thanks for your questions.
If the testicle was seen on ultrasound in the abdomen, the testicle was probably has never descended into the scrotum. Therefore, it is not a retractile testes, but an undescended testicle. Retractile testes can temporarily be withdrawn into the lower inguinal canal but can be pulled into the scrotum on physical exam. This is common in seven year old boys who’s cremasteric reflexes are at their peak. ( Creamaster muscle pull the testes up when stimulated.)
Retractile testes are believed to not negatively impact fertility unlike undescended ones. Undescended testes especially abdominal testes are at increased risk for testicular cancers. Surgery to place the testicle into the scrotum may be possible.
More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its urban campuses by calling (1 800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. MS
* Keyword: undescended testes, retractile testes, testicular cancer, infertility
