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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffIf your son doesn't have one or both testicles, he may be sensitive about his appearance. He may have anxieties about looking different from friends or classmates, especially if he has to undress in front of others in gym class. The following strategies may help him cope:
- Teach your son the right words to use when talking about the scrotum and testicles.
- Explain that there are usually two testicles in the scrotum. If he is missing one or both, explain in simple terms what that means and that he's still a healthy boy.
- Remind him that he is not ill or in danger of illness.
- Talk to him about whether an implant is a good option for him.
- Help him practice a response if he's teased or asked about the condition.
- Buy him loosefitting boxer shorts and swim trunks that may make the condition less noticeable when changing clothes and playing sports at school.
- Be aware of signs of worry or embarrassment, such as not participating in sports that he would normally enjoy.
References
- 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.
- Hutson JM, et al. Current management of the undescended testicle. Seminars in Pediatric Surgery 2007;16(1):64-70.
- Barthold JS. Undescended testis: Current theories of etiology. Current Opinion in Urology. 2008;18(4):395-400.
- 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.
- Cooper, CS. Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 25, 2008.
- Esposito C, et al. Management of boys with nonpalpable undescended testis. Nature Clinical Practice Urology. 2008;5(5):252-60.
- Liptak GS. Genital defects. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec23/ch265/ch265d.html. Accessed Aug. 19, 2008.
