Absent Testicle

In most boys, both testicles are in their normal position in the scrotal sac at birth. If it is discovered that one or both of the testicles cannot be felt, it is possible that they have failed to come down normally and may be either stuck in the groin, or still up in the abdomen where they first developed. Whatever the reason, if both testicles cannot be detected in their normal position, then this should be investigated promptly by a general paediatric surgeon.

At consultation, the surgeon will perform a careful examination of your child. Many boys have a very muscular cord above the testicle which may pull it up into the groin from time to time; this is a normal response and nothing further needs to be done. If the testicle cannot be felt, then an ultrasound scan may be requested to try and locate the testicle in the groin. A testicle that is caught up in the groin will require a small day-case operation to bring it down into a normal position; the details of this can be discussed with your surgeon. A testicle that is high up in the abdomen will require more specialist intervention, and the details of this can be discussed with your surgeon.

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