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Undescended Testes

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Andrology

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Abstract

Undescended testes (cryptorchidism) represent the most common malformation in boys: retractile, inguinal, or abdominal testes are present in 1–5% of male neonates born at term. During the first 9 months of life, some of these testes descend spontaneously as they continue to mature, reducing the prevalence of cryptorchidism at age 9 months to 1–1.5% without treatment. Among other factors, fetal androgen deficiency or insufficient androgen action may be at the origin of impaired testicular descent into the scrotum. Previously undescended testes may lead to fertility limitations in men and may cause endocrine testicular dysfunction. If treated too late, the undescended testis carries an increased risk of malignant transformation. The high-ambient temperature of testes located in an extra-scrotal location is held responsible for both increased apoptosis of the germ cells and for the increased risk of testicular germ cell tumors. Persistent undescended testes therefore require treatment. According to current guidelines, hormonal or surgical correction should be completed by the boy’s first birthday. Early correction reduces the risk of testicular tumor development and may have beneficial effects on testicular endocrine and spermatogenic function in adolescence and adulthood.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

    Julia Rohayem

  2. Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

    Eberhard Nieschlag

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  1. Julia Rohayem
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  2. Eberhard Nieschlag
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Correspondence to Julia Rohayem .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

    Eberhard Nieschlag

  2. Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany

    Hermann M. Behre

  3. Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

    Sabine Kliesch

  4. Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany

    Susan Nieschlag

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Rohayem, J., Nieschlag, E. (2023). Undescended Testes. In: Nieschlag, E., Behre, H.M., Kliesch, S., Nieschlag, S. (eds) Andrology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31574-9_17

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