Question
There is only one testicle in the scrotum, the secondary sexual characteristics are normal, there is no discomfort in the body, and another testicle can be felt in the abdomen, which is smaller. What should I do?
Answer
Cryptorchidism refers to the condition where, after birth, one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum and remain at any point in their normal descent process. Most patients do not exhibit symptoms. For those with cryptorchidism during puberty, timely orchidopexy should be performed; if the testicle is found to be atrophic or unable to descend into the scrotum during surgery, an orchidectomy may be necessary. Whether surgical treatment is needed for unilateral cryptorchidism depends on the individual situation, as it was previously believed that the testicle settled in the scrotum has normal spermatogenic function and does not affect fertility.