Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism)

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

The exact cause of an undescended testicle isn't known. A combination of genetics, maternal health and other environmental factors may disrupt the hormones, physical changes and nerve activity that influence the development of the testicles.

References
  1. Elder J. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman R, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders, Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/102535550-2/0/1608/1246.html?tocnode=54484554&fromURL=1246.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50547-8_9817. Accessed Aug. 15, 2008.
  2. Hutson JM, et al. Current management of the undescended testicle. Seminars in Pediatric Surgery 2007;16(1):64-70.
  3. Barthold JS. Undescended testis: Current theories of etiology. Current Opinion in Urology. 2008;18(4):395-400.
  4. Kelsberg G, et al. Clinical inquiries. When should a child with an undescended testis be referred to a urologist? Journal of Family Practice. 2006;55(4):336-337.
  5. Cooper, CS. Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 25, 2008.
  6. Esposito C, et al. Management of boys with nonpalpable undescended testis. Nature Clinical Practice Urology. 2008;5(5):252-60.
  7. Liptak GS. Genital defects. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec23/ch265/ch265d.html. Accessed Aug. 19, 2008.

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Oct. 16, 2008

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