Cryptorchidism is a developmental condition in which one or both testicles fail to reach their natural position. As explained by Andrey Dmitriev, a urologist at the Remedi Institute of Reproductive Medicine, the testicles typically descend during fetal development, but in some cases they do not travel into the scrotum and may remain higher up, sometimes appearing near the thigh region. This phenomenon is more than a simple anatomical curiosity; it has meaningful health implications that doctors monitor closely from infancy onward.
There are patients whose testicles end up in the thigh area, a situation that carries noticeably higher health risks. Men with undescended testicles have an elevated lifetime risk of malignancy, and data presented by the physician indicate the risk is markedly increased compared with peers whose testicles descended normally. Specifically, men who experienced undescended testicles in childhood show a modestly higher probability of infertility, a risk that becomes more pronounced when both testes are affected. In the context of medical statistics, the overall picture suggests a substantial long-term concern, particularly when considering the potential for tumors and reproductive challenges.
Modern reproductive medicine provides several avenues for people with a history of cryptorchidism to have children in many cases, thanks to advances in assisted reproductive technologies. Timely intervention, including surgery in childhood, often helps restore the expected anatomic arrangement and can improve functional outcomes. The emphasis on early treatment reflects a preventive mindset: correcting the alignment early can reduce future risks and preserve fertility chances.
In clinical practice, cryptorchidism is noted as the most common congenital anomaly of the male reproductive system. Statistics show that it occurs in about 3 percent of full-term male newborns and as many as 30 percent of preterm infants. While spontaneous descent occurs in the majority of cases—roughly 80 percent within the first year of life—there remains a subset of children for whom the descent does not occur naturally within the expected time frame. In these situations, doctors often recommend orchiopexy, a surgical procedure designed to position the testes into the scrotum and secure their proper placement. The goal is to promote normal development and reduce the risk of future complications.
Several risk factors have been associated with cryptorchidism. Premature birth and low birth weight are commonly observed in affected infants. Maternal exposure to certain chemicals, alcohol use during pregnancy, and a family history of the condition can also raise the likelihood of undescended testes. Additional factors include maternal preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and notable protein in the urine during pregnancy, which has been linked to increased risk in some studies. Recognizing these factors helps doctors identify at‑risk newborns and plan appropriate follow‑up care and early intervention when needed.