Ep 38 – Undescended testes in infants

In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses the finding of an undescended testicle at the 6-week baby check. She considers the possible diagnoses and associated risks. Kate also takes us through the primary care assessment and clarifies the important question of when to refer.

Key reference discussed in the episode:

• NICE CKS. Undescended testes. February 2020. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/undescended-testes/ (accessed 27 January 2022)

Key resource discussed in the episode:

• The British Association of Urological Surgeons patient information on missing testicle.

Key take-home messages from this episode:

• An undescended testis can occur in approximately 4% of male infants.
• Undescended testes can be associated with reduced fertility rates and a higher incidence of testicular cancer.
• The finding of a unilateral undescended testis at the 6-week check, in the absence of any concerns regarding an underlying disorder of sexual development, should prompt a re-examination at 4–5 months of age.
• If the testis is still undescended at 4–5 months, then the chances of it spontaneously descending are reduced and a referral to secondary care should be made.