How to judge cryptorchidism
Cryptorchidism is one of the common congenital malformations of the male reproductive system. It means that the testicles fail to descend to the scrotum normally and stay in the abdominal cavity or inguinal area. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, it may affect fertility or increase the risk of testicular cancer. The following is a detailed analysis of the diagnosis methods, symptoms and treatment suggestions for cryptorchidism.
1. Common symptoms of cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is usually discovered in infancy and early childhood. The following are typical symptoms:
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Empty scrotum | No testicles palpable in unilateral or bilateral scrotum |
| lump in groin | An unusual lump or nodule may be palpable |
| developmental abnormalities | Testicular atrophy or insufficient hormone secretion may occur after puberty |
2. Diagnostic methods of cryptorchidism
The diagnosis of cryptorchidism requires a combination of physical examination and imaging methods:
| Check method | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical examination | The doctor determines the position of the testicles by palpation, which needs to be done in a warm environment |
| Ultrasound examination | High-frequency ultrasound can locate the testicles in the abdominal or groin area |
| MRI | Provide clearer images for complex cases (such as high cryptorchidism) |
| Hormone testing | Assess testicular function, such as testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone levels |
3. Treatment and prognosis of cryptorchidism
Treatment needs to be planned according to age and testicle location:
| Treatment | Applicable situations | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| hormone therapy | Children under 1 year old | Use HCG or GnRH to promote testicular descent |
| surgical correction | Hormone ineffective or over 2 years old | Orchiopexy is the preferred method |
| Regular follow-up | all cases | Monitor development and cancer risk |
4. How do parents initially diagnose cryptorchidism?
1.Observe the shape of the scrotum: When taking a bath, check whether the scrotum on both sides is symmetrical and whether there is a feeling of emptiness.
2.Pay attention to touch: Gently touch the groin area to see if there are any moveable lumps.
3.Log changes: If the testicles have not descended after 6 months, you need to seek medical treatment.
5. Common misunderstandings about cryptorchidism
1."It will be better when the children grow up": The probability of spontaneous testicular descent after 1 year of age is extremely low.
2."Only affects fertility": Cryptorchidism may increase the risk of testicular torsion and cancer.
3."The later the surgery, the better": The optimal surgical period is 1-2 years old to avoid germ cell damage.
Summary
Early diagnosis and treatment of cryptorchidism are crucial to men's health. Parents should pay attention to the physical examination of newborns and seek medical advice promptly if any abnormalities are found. With standardized treatment, most children can achieve a good prognosis.
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