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Normally the testicles, which form inside the abdomen of a male fetus, descend into the sac beneath the penis (scrotum) by the time the baby is born.
An undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) is one that remains inside the body and has not moved down into the scrotum. One or both testicles may be affected.
Undescended testicles are often classified according to their location and whether they can be felt (palpable or non-palpable).
Current as of: March 1, 2023
Author: Healthwise StaffClinical Review Board: John Pope MD - PediatricsAnne C. Poinier MD - Internal MedicineAdam Husney MD - Family MedicinePeter Anderson MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:John Pope MD - Pediatrics & Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Peter Anderson MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology
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