Undescended Testes?

[CA Mommy]

I just learned at my sons 15 mo well check that his testes have not descended. The doctor was able to feel for them in the pelvic area and pull one of them down. She said to feel for them in the bath and she'll check again when he's 2.

I have felt them descended once in a warm bath but that was only once and I feel for them all the time. I can't understand how they can go back and forth and the Dr. wasn't too informative on the subject.

Do I need to be concerned??

Thanks!

[pdx.mothernurture]

I don't think there's any need to feel for your son's testicles, "all the time"...or, at all for that matter. And it was my understanding that surgery was usually recommended by age 1 if they had truly not decended? But, if you've felt them at least once, than I'm sure they have decended and just 'hide' sometimes.

I guess I'm confused.

Jen

[CA Mommy]

I just mean that since the Dr appt, I have been checking to see if they are descended. Up until 15 mos, I had no idea that they weren't where they should be . Maybe they were at previous Dr. appts since he's had the same pedi since birth.

I guess that they can move around, who knows.... I should have asked about it at the pedi. It was a combined appt with my 3 yr old ds and 15 mo ds so I had my hands full and you know how they rush you....ugh!

[Gitti]

My oldest grandson had an undescended testicle and it was not pulled down via surgery till he was almost 3 yr. old. Now I think I would not do it even that early.

[Frankly Speaking]

CA Mommy, there is a normal variation in males called retractile testicles and I think this is what your son has. You don't need to worry about it. I have retractile testicles and I've lived a long and healthy life.

There are spaces in the pubic mound that the testicles can go hide in. These spaces are slightly above and to either side of the penis. To check for retractile testicles, place a finger or two on the pubic mound above the penis. With gentle pressure, slide the fingers downward along side the penis and toward the scrotum. If the testicles appear in the scrotum, your son has retractile testicles. If they will not move down into the scrotum, your son should be checked for undescended testicles.

Since you have seen them in the scrotum, it is very unlikely he has undescended testes.


Frank