Absent Testis (Cryptorchidism & Undescended Testis)

Understanding Absent Testis

একটি absent testis (clinically non-palpable testis) means the testicle cannot be felt in the scrotum. This might be because the testis is located high up inside the abdomen or groin (undescended), or because it never properly formed or shriveled up before birth (vanishing/absent testis) due to a prenatal vascular event. Proper medical evaluation, usually involving diagnostic laparoscopy, is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Causes of Absent Testis

The descent of the testicle during late pregnancy is a complex process. Key factors that can cause or contribute to a testicle remaining undescended or absent include:

• Premature Birth: The testicles normally descend during the third trimester; premature infants are at a significantly higher risk because their development was cut short.
• Low Birth Weight: Statistically, newborns with a lower birth weight have a higher incidence of undescended testes.
• Hormonal Imbalances: A lack of maternal or fetal hormones that trigger the testicular descent pathway can arrest the movement.
• Genetic Factors: A family history of undescended testes or associated genetic syndromes can increase the probability.

Signs of Absent Testis

Parents or pediatricians can identify a potential undescended testicle by looking for the following signs:

• An Empty Scrotal Sac: The scrotum on one or both sides looks flat, small, or feels completely empty.
• Asymmetric Appearance: One side of the scrotum looks visibly larger or more developed than the other side.
• A Bulge in the Groin: The testicle may sometimes be felt as a small, smooth lump in the groin area (inguinal canal) where it stopped descending.