Can an undescended testicle cause infertility?

Question

Hello doctor,

One of my testicles has not fully descended into the scrotum. I am 31 years old and not yet married. I have a few concerns regarding this condition. Do I need surgery? Could this affect my fertility? Will it have any negative impact on my sex life?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

This condition is known as cryptorchidism (the absence of one or both testes in the scrotum). If one of the testes has not yet descended, it may have already become dysfunctional, depending on its location—whether it is still intra-abdominal or in the inguinal canal. In such cases, there is a high risk that the undescended testis could develop a seminoma, which is a type of testicular tumor. If the other testis has descended, it is likely functional, so infertility may not be an issue.

It is advisable to undergo an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the pelvis to assess the situation, and the undescended testis may need to be removed. Additionally, a semen analysis should be done to evaluate sperm count and quality. It is important to consult with a surgeon promptly, as it is not recommended to leave an undescended testis untreated for this long.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.