What is a latent testicle?

Latent testes may develop in one or both testes and appear at birth. In most cases, the problem resolves itself within a year. Latent testicles also called rectifying testicles, are a condition characterized by a condition in which one or both testes do not completely descend through the inguinal canal (sacrum) into the scrotum.

Experts estimate the prevalence of latent testes, that is, the number of patients in a particular population is 3-5% of newborns born to full-term delivery. These levels can increase by up to 30% in premature infants. If you want to know more about the latent testicle and its properties, don’t miss this article!

Causes of testicles not descending properly

As noted on specialized websites such as the Mayo Clinic, the cause of latent tests is still not entirely clear.

Latent testes are distributed worldwide in infants and children as follows.

• 3-5% of children born to full term delivery have latent testes.
• Up to 45% of premature babies are born without the testes completely descending.
• By 3 months of age, these levels drop to 1–2%.
• Only 1% of infants and young children have latent testes by the time they are 1 year old .

In addition to all these data, it is interesting to note that 10% of patients have latent testes on both sides. In other words, most clinical cases occur in only one testis. Even so, we are certainly dealing with pathologies involving infants and young children born before their due date.

Preterm birth is often associated with latent testes.

Who Can Latent Testicles Affect?

These pathologies are related to the time of birth and the condition. Risk groups vulnerable to latent testes include:

• Low birth weight children weighing less than 250 g
• premature birth
• A family history of latent testicles or other testicular problems
• Fetal conditions during pregnancy that can interfere with development
• Exposure to alcohol, tobacco, or certain chemicals during pregnancy

Symptoms and possible complications

The only obvious symptom is the absence of one or both testes in the scrotum. In 80% of cases, the testicles, which cannot be seen visually, are palpable, but in the remaining 20%, they contract excessively and cannot be touched. Even so, it should be noted that most are temporary and the problem will resolve on its own after 6 months.

Unfortunately, according to the National Library of Medicine, latent testes are more likely to develop cancer. Not only that, an inappropriate sperm temperature in close proximity to the body can lead to infertility problems.

How is latent testes treated?

The purpose of therapeutic intervention in patients with latent testicles is to lower the testicles, which could not naturally descend at that time. According to the sources cited earlier, the patient has a variety of options to address the pathology. Among them, there are the following treatments:

• Hormone therapy : Injection of B-HCG or testosterone may cause the testes to descend in infants and young children.
• Testicular prosthesis and saline : This is the ideal method in cases where the patient completely loses one or both testicles.
• Surgery : These methods will be discussed in detail below.

Surgical Procedures and Risks

Testicular fixation is surgery performed by doctors to lower the testicles into the scrotum. The surgeon carefully brings the testicle back into place and stitches it in place. According to < Standford Children’s Health >, these surgeries have a 98% success rate.

Risks that may arise are:

• Semen duct damage and testicular atrophy
• bleeding during and after surgery
• inguinal hernia

• Bacterial infection from surgery
• Situations in which the wound opens during recovery and requires a second operation

How to treat recovery and latent testicles?

Patients should rest for 2-3 days after surgery and avoid physical exercise for at least one month to protect the suture site. Also, once the bandage can be removed, the surgical incision should be disinfected twice a day.

Patients should follow these rules to avoid unwanted infections. The thread used for suturing will come off on its own, so there is no need to visit a hospital to remove it.

Toxin intake during pregnancy is another risk factor for latent testes.

Latent testicles have a solution

Whether a child is born with one or both testes not descended is usually not cause for concern. Up to 99% of cases resolve spontaneously within a year. Even so, hormone therapy or surgery is a safe and excellent option for patients whose testicles do not descend naturally.

In the case of latent testes, there is a solution in almost all cases, with or without surgery. So if your child has latent testes, don’t worry! Clearly, it has little effect on the child’s lifestyle, and with proper treatment, he will be able to develop normally.