What is the medical term for undescended testes?

The medical term for undescended testes is cryptorchidism. This condition occurs when one or both of the testes do not descend into the scrotum before birth. Typically, the testes form in the abdominal cavity of a fetus and travel down into the scrotum just prior to or shortly after birth. If this process does not happen, cryptorchidism is diagnosed.

This condition is significant because it can lead to various complications, such as increased risks of infertility and testicular cancer later in life if not treated. Management of cryptorchidism often involves hormonal therapy or surgical correction, especially if the testes do not descend spontaneously within the first year of life.

Understanding this term is crucial for healthcare providers as they care for infants and children, particularly during routine examinations where they check for proper development and the presence of any abnormalities related to the genitalia.