What are Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism)
Fortunately, about half of these testicles will drop on their own during the first three months of life, but testicles won’t drop on their own after this age, so about 1 or 2 out of 100 boys with undescended testicles will need tr. This issue is found in about 3 or 4 out of 100 newborns (and up to 21 out of 100 premature newborns).
Illustration of Cryptorchidism
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Only testicles that are truly undescended require treatment; it is important to distinguish between “Retractile” testicles and undescended testicles. After 6 months of age, a male child has a reflex that temporarily pulls the testicles up to protect them when he is cold or scared.
The scrotum is much cooler than body temperature, making it the ideal location for the testicle. Testicles that don’t drop into the scrotum will not work normally. The longer the testicles are too warm, the less likely it is that the sperm in that testicle will mature normally. This can be a cause of infertility, especially when both testicles are affected.
RISK FACTOR
- Adults who develop testicular cancer are still at a low risk of 1% or less.
- The chord that sends blood to the scrotum is twisted in testicular torsion.
- groin area hernia development
Causes of Cryptorchidism
It is not known why the testicles fail to drop in the majority of children with this health issue. It may be because the testicles are not normal to begin with. In other cases, there is a mechanical problem. These are called “ectopic testicles.” It may also be because the baby’s hormones can’t stimulate the testicles normally. No studies have shown that the problem is caused by something the mother did or a genetic factor.
About 1 in 5 cases of undescended testicles are discovered once the boy is no longer a baby, so all boys should have the location of their testicles checked during each annual physical examination. Sometimes the testicles drop but don’t attach in the scrotum, and it becomes obvious as the boy grows that the testicles are not attached.
Diagnosis of Cryptorchidism
The term “nonpalpable” refers to a testicle that cannot be felt during a physical examination. Nonpalpable testicles can be present, undescended (in the abdomen), absent, or very small (atrophic).
Three tests are available to diagnose an undescended testicle.
- Blood vessels in the testicles are blinded, demonstrating the absence of a testicle.
- The absence of a testicle is demonstrated by the vessels leaving the abdomen.
- If a testicle is discovered in the abdomen, it is either removed or brought down into the scrotum depending on its health.
Homeopathic Treatment of Cryptorchidism
By carefully examining the patient’s medical history, homeopathy can effectively treat an undescended testicle.
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