What does cryptorchidism refer to?
An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) is a testicle that hasn’t moved into its proper position in the bag of skin hanging below the penis (scrotum) before birth. Usually just one testicle is affected, but about 10 percent of the time both testicles are undescended.
When do you refer to cryptorchidism?
Providers should refer infants with a history of cryptorchidism (detected at birth) who do not have spontaneous testicular descent by six months (corrected for gestational age) to an appropriate surgical specialist for timely evaluation.
Why is it called cryptorchid?
Cryptorchidism is the absence of one or both testes from the scrotum. The word is from the Greek κρυπτός (kryptos), meaning “hidden”, and ὄρχις (orchis), meaning “testicle”. It is the most common birth defect of the male genital tract.
What are the consequences of cryptorchidism?
Consequences of Cryptorchidism The most common problems associated with undescended testicles are testicular neoplasm, subfertility, testicular torsion and inguinal hernia.
Why is cryptorchidism a problem?
Cryptorchidism also increases the risk of testicular torsion. This occurs when the spermatic cord becomes twisted. The spermatic cord contains nerves, blood vessels, and tubes that carry semen between each testicle and the penis. If a person does not receive quick treatment, they could lose the twisted testicle.
How common is cryptorchidism in humans?
It is the most common birth defect involving the male genitalia. About 3% of full-term and 30% of premature male infants are born with one or both testicles undescended. Approximately 80% of cryptorchid testes descend by the third month of life. This makes the true incidence around 1%.
How does cryptorchidism occur?
Cryptorchidism occurs when one or both of the testicles do not descend into the scrotum while the fetus is developing. During gestation, the testicles form in the abdomen and gradually drop through the inguinal canal into the scrotum at around month 8 of pregnancy.
What is the meaning of the term cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism (Concept Id: C0010417) Cryptorchidism, or failure of testicular descent, is a common human congenital abnormality with a multifactorial etiology that likely reflects the involvement of endocrine, environmental, and hereditary factors. Cryptorchidism can result in infertility and increases risk for testicular tumors.
How does cryptorchidism affect the testicular system?
Cryptorchidism can result in infertility and increases risk for testicular tumors. Testicular descent from abdomen to scrotum occurs in 2 distinct phases: the transabdominal phase and the inguinoscrotal phase (summary by Gorlov et al., 2002). [from OMIM]
Is it possible to neuter a cryptorchid dog?
Recent Examples on the Web Neuter procedures will not be performed on cryptorchid dogs – a condition in which one or both testicles have fail to descend. — Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2017 These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word ‘cryptorchid.’