What is cryptorchidism? What are the clinical symptoms associated with patients suffering from cryptorchidism? Understanding this issue has very important clinical significance for the prevention and treatment of cryptorchidism. Experts indicate: Cryptorchidism is a condition where during fetal development, the testicles do not descend into the scrotum. Without an appropriate temperature, the testicles will be unable to produce sperm, leading to infertility. Therefore, effective prevention and treatment of cryptorchidism can reduce the likelihood of male infertility caused by this condition.
At birth, the human testicles are located inside the abdominal cavity. By the time the fetus reaches 9 months, the testicles gradually begin to descend from the abdomen until they reach the scrotum. During puberty, if the testicles have not descended into the scrotum, it signifies abnormal testicular development. Cryptorchidism refers to the condition where during the process of testicular descent, the testicles stop at any incorrect location, resulting in an anomaly.
Clinical symptoms associated with cryptorchidism patients:
1. **Prone to injury**: The testicles are located within the scrotum, allowing for greater mobility and reducing the chance of external injury. Testicles located in the inguinal canal, when the abdominal muscles contract, also cause the inguinal canal to contract, squeezing the testicles within. Testicles located in the abdominal cavity are also frequently squeezed due to changes in abdominal pressure.
2. **Testicular atrophy**: If the testicles have not descended into the scrotum, within two years after birth, there may only be mild tissue changes. However, between ages 2 to 5, this can lead to incomplete testicular development or atrophy. It should be noted that the risk of infertility in bilateral cryptorchidism patients accounts for 90% of all cryptorchidism cases, which should be taken seriously by male patients.
3. **Malignant transformation**: Patients with cryptorchidism have a 20 to 48 times higher risk of malignant transformation compared to normal testicles located in the scrotum; and the risk of malignant transformation in intra-abdominal testicles is five times higher than in inguinal testicles. Congenital defects in the testicles and their abnormal positioning, combined with higher surrounding temperatures, contribute to the malignant transformation of cryptorchidism.
4. **Testicular torsion**: In cases of cryptorchidism, abnormalities in the testicular ligament, cremaster muscle attachment, or testicular tunica vaginalis can make the testicles more prone to torsion.
5. **Psychological effects**: An empty scrotum can lead to feelings of inferiority, mental distress, and social isolation.
6. **Other**: Approximately 65% of cryptorchidism patients also have hernias.
Through the introduction of the above content, it is hoped that everyone gains a deeper understanding of the clinical symptoms associated with cryptorchidism patients. If you have further questions, you can click on our online consultation service. Our online experts will provide the most professional and detailed answers, or you can call our 24-hour rehabilitation hotline for one-on-one detailed explanations with our experts.
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