Cryptorchidism is a common disease in surgery. Clinically, the condition where testicles fail to descend completely is often referred to as cryptorchidism. In adults, unilateral cryptorchidism does not cause infertility; however, bilateral cryptorchidism can lead to male infertility. Endocrine disorders often result in bilateral cryptorchidism, and both unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism can lead to pathological changes that endanger life. The chance of developing a tumor in cryptorchidism is 20-50 times higher than in normal individuals. Approximately 8% of patients with cryptorchidism may develop cancer, so once diagnosed, timely treatment is necessary.
**Causes of Cryptorchidism**
During the embryonic development process, the normal descent of the testicles is influenced by endocrine hormones and physical mechanical factors. The descent of the testicles is divided into two stages: the first stage includes embryonic differentiation, formation of the testicles, and movement from the urogenital crest to the inguinal region. The second stage involves the testicles moving from the inguinal region to the scrotum. This second stage is mainly controlled by hormones. The descent of the testicles is a very complex process of embryonic development, affected by endocrine, genetic, and physical mechanical factors. Abnormalities in these comprehensive factors can all lead to the occurrence of cryptorchidism.
**Symptoms of Cryptorchidism**
Cryptorchidism refers to a malformation state where, after 2 months of birth, one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum. Cryptorchidism is divided into true cryptorchidism and false cryptorchidism. False cryptorchidism refers to cases where the testicles cannot be felt within the scrotum, but can be felt above the scrotum or in the inguinal region; True cryptorchidism not only cannot feel the testicles in the scrotum, but also cannot feel them in the upper part of the scrotum or in the inguinal region, their position being too high, often located in the abdominal cavity. Whether it is true or false cryptorchidism, or whether it is bilateral or unilateral cryptorchidism, they are collectively referred to as cryptorchidism.
During the embryonic period, the testicles are located in the posterior abdominal cavity. For most male fetuses, around the eighth month in the mother's body, the testicles will descend into the scrotum. Therefore, the normal location of the testicles in males is within the scrotum. If you cannot find the testicles when touching the scrotum, it may be what is known as cryptorchidism. In patients with cryptorchidism, the undescended testicles are mostly located in the inguinal region, with a smaller portion in the posterior abdominal cavity. Because the testicles have not descended into the scrotum, the development of the scrotum will also be poorer, sometimes leading to asymmetry on the left and right sides.
For children under one year old, the use of certain medications may allow the testicles to descend into the scrotum. If by the age of two the testicles still have not descended into the scrotum, then surgical treatment should be considered. Surgery before the age of two has little impact on the spermatogenic function of the testicles; beyond four years old, there will be a significant impact; beyond eight years old, there will be a severe impact; if beyond twelve years old, even if surgery is performed, the spermatogenic function of the testicles cannot be restored!