cryptorchidism
The scrotum is a muscular structure that houses the testes. In order for normal sperm production to occur the testes must be a few degrees cooler than the rest of the body. For this reason the scrotum is positioned outside the body.
Fertility problems can develop if the testes do not descend into the scrotum within the first month or so after birth. Surgery can repair undescended testes, but permanent damage can result if the testes do not descend early enough.
symptoms
Cryptorchidism is a likely diagnosis when a man’s testes have not descended into the scrotum.
cause
The cause for cryptorchidism is unknown.
treatment
Surgery to correct undescended testes is usually performed in childhood, however, the results of the surgery can impact a man’s fertility later in his life.