Description

A testicle shrink is a testicle that may move back and forth between the scrotum and the groin. When the testicle shrink is in the groin, it can be easily guided by hand into its proper position in the scrotum, the pouch of skin that hangs behind the penis — during a physical exam. After the release, the testicle will remain in the correct position, at least temporarily.

For most children, the problem of a testicle retractable goes away sometime before or during puberty. The testicle is moved to its correct location in the scrotum, and stays there permanently.

Sometimes the testicle retractable remains in the area of the groin and is no longer movable. When this happens, the condition is called ascending testis or acquired undescended testicle.

Symptoms

The testicles form in the abdomen during fetal development. During the last months of development, the testes descend gradually towards the scrotum. If this decline is not completed at birth, the testicles usually drops within a couple of months. If your child has a testicle shrink, the testicles originally descended as it should, but do not stay in place.

The symptoms of a testicle retractable include:

  • The testicle may be moved by the hand of the groin into the scrotum and not immediately retire to the groin.
  • The testicle may spontaneously appear in the scrotum and remain there for a time.
  • The testicle may disappear on their own again for a while.

The testicle shrink is different from the undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). An undescended testicle is one of those that never went into the scrotum.

When to see a doctor

During the well-baby checkups and annual childhood checkups, a healthcare professional will examine your testicles to determine if they are descended and appropriately developed. If you believe that your child has a retractable or ascending testis or have other concerns about the development of his testicles — talk to your health care professional. The care provider will tell you how often to schedule check-ups to monitor changes in the condition.

Causes

A muscle hyperactivity causes a testicle to become a testis-retractable. The cremaster muscle is a thin sac-like muscle in which the testicle is resting. When the cremaster muscle contracts, it pulls the testicle to the body. The cremaster reflex can be stimulated by the friction of a nerve in the internal face of the thigh and by the emotion, such as fear and laughter. The cremaster is also activated by a cold environment.

If the cremaster reflex is strong enough, it can result in a testicle shrink, pulling the testicles out of scrotum and the groin.

Risk factors

There is No known risk factors for retractile testes.

Complications

Retractile testes are generally not associated with complications, in addition to a greater risk of the testicle causes of ascending testis.

Diagnosis

If your child has a testicle is not in the scrotum, your doctor will determine your location in the area of the groin. Once that is found, the doctor will gently guide it to its proper position in the scrotum.

Your child may be lying down, sitting or standing for this test. If your child is a child, the doctor may ask that you sit with the soles of your feet touching and your knees to the sides. These positions make it easier to find and manipulate the testicle.

If the testicle is a testicle shrink, move with relative ease and not immediately rise again.

If the testicle in the groin immediately returns to its original location, it is more likely that an undescended testicle.

Treatment

Retractile testes do not require surgery or other treatment. A testicle shrink is likely to come down on their own before or during puberty. If your child has a testicle shrink, a healthcare professional will monitor the changes in the testis of the position in the annual assessments to determine if they remain in the scrotum, remains retractable or becomes an ascending testicle.

Coping and support

If your child has one testicle to shrink, which could be sensitive about his appearance. To help your child cope:

  • Explain in simple terms what a testicle shrink it.
  • To remind you that there's nothing wrong with him.
  • Explain that the position of the testis is something that you, your child and your doctor told you to pay attention and correct, if necessary.
  • Help her to a response if it has bothered you or asked about the condition.

Preparing for your appointment

A primary healthcare professional can usually diagnose a testicle retractile. However, if there is any doubt about the diagnosis or the need for immediate treatment, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in urinary disorders, and problems with the male genitalia in children, called to a pediatric urologist.

Be prepared to answer the following questions in the name of the child or to help answer questions:

  • They were both testicles previously identified as descended in a baby or an annual exam?
  • When he noticed the absence of the testicle in the scrotum?
  • Have you observed this before?
  • Has your child experienced any type of pain in the testicles or in the groin?
  • Has your child ever been treated for a hernia?
  • Has your child experienced any trauma to her genitals or in the groin?
Symptoms and treatment of testicular Retractable