Where Can Undescended Testes (UDT) Be Found?
Testes that are not in the scrotum can be found in other places in the body (see picture below). They may be in the abdomen, the groin, or the side of the scrotum. In some parts of the body, the testes may be hard to feel during a physical exam. Some testes go back and forth from the scrotum. This is often due to a very active muscle and poor attachment to the scrotum. This is common from ages 3 months to 7 years and is often called “retractile testes”. Often both testes are involved. After puberty these testes most often stay in the scrotum and are normal in size and function. A boy with retractile testes should be examined by a doctor on a regular basis to check that the testes eventually stay descended in the scrotum. What Are the Risks? A testis outside the scrotum does not develop in a normal way. When outside the scrotum, the body temperature is higher and the testes cannot move as easily. This disrupts the function, structure, and safety of the testes. Infertility is a risk with
