Question
My son is almost one year old, and his right testicle has not descended, and it cannot be felt by touch. Recently, he had an ultrasound, showing that the testicle is located in the right inguinal canal and its development is not good. How should we treat this issue? Additional question: A doctor suggested using some androgen hormones. What kind of effects might this have on the child?
Answer
The treatment for pediatric cryptorchidism includes hormonal therapy and surgical treatment. The first method involves the use of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). The purpose of using HCG is to maintain a sustained and stable serum HCG concentration to stimulate Leydig cells to secrete sufficient testosterone, promoting the descent of the testicle. Cryptorchidism has the potential to descend into the scrotum spontaneously within the first six months after birth. If the testicle has not descended after six months, hormonal therapy should be considered. The optimal treatment age is within two years.