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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffIn order for a testicle to mature properly, it needs to be in the scrotum. Complications associated with undescended testicles — testicles that have never entered the scrotum — are well documented. Less is known about complications related to ascending and retractile testicles.
However, a boy with a retractile testicle may be vulnerable to these complications:
- Testicular cancer. Testicular cancer usually begins in the cells in the testicle that produce immature sperm. What causes these cells to develop into cancer is unknown. Men who have had an undescended testicle have a greater risk of testicular cancer.
- Fertility problems. Low sperm counts, poor sperm quality and low fertility rates are more likely among men who have had an undescended testicle.
- Testicular torsion. Testicular torsion is the twisting of the spermatic cord. This painful condition cuts off blood to the testicle. If not treated promptly, it may result in the loss of the testicle. An undescended testicle increases the risk of testicular torsion.
- Trauma. A testicle located in the groin may be susceptible to trauma or injury from compression against the pubic bone.
