Concerns About Testicular Descent in My 2-Year-Old Son
Hello everyone, I recently came across a discussion regarding undescended testicles and the potential implications for fertility in children who have this condition. It particularly struck me because my son just celebrated his second birthday. Until now, I hadn't paid much attention to his testicles, but the conversation made me realize that I'm not entirely sure what a healthy descent should look like. I'm searching for reliable information as I have yet to find anything that clarifies the situation regarding normal testicular descent. His scrotum feels soft and can collapse when pressed, and I also didn't detect any lumps or discernible testicles within. Unfortunately, I'm having difficulty securing a timely appointment with a doctor, which has only heightened my anxiety about this issue. If anyone can provide guidance on how I might check for the presence of his testicles or offer any insights into this condition, I would greatly appreciate your help.
Answers (1)
8/30/2025, 12:01:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your son's testicular health, especially after becoming more aware of the topic. Undescended testicles, or cryptorchidism, can affect fertility and increase the risk of certain medical conditions, but there are steps you can take to assess the situation further.
Main Points:
- It's normal for some boys to have undescended testicles at age two, but by this age, most testicles usually descend into the scrotum.
- You can perform a gentle self-check to understand if the testicles are present.
- While waiting for a professional appointment, focus on monitoring and maintaining communication with healthcare providers.
Explanation: Testicular descent typically occurs in the last few months of pregnancy and should ideally be complete by around six months of age. However, it's not uncommon for some boys to still have undescended testicles up to age two. It’s good that you are being proactive about this.
When checking your son, gently feel the area where the testicles usually reside, which is the scrotum (the pouch behind the penis). A healthy scrotum typically contains two testicles that feel firm and round, similar to a small grape. If you don't feel any testicles or only one is present, this may indicate that one or both have not descended.
Next Steps:
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Perform a Gentle Self-Check: Lay your son down comfortably. With clean hands, gently feel the scrotal sac. If you don't feel testicles in the scrotum, they may be higher in the abdomen or groin area.
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Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on any changes over the next few weeks. If you notice any new symptoms such as pain, swelling, or if a testicle seems to appear, take note of these changes.
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Prepare for your Appointment: Document your observations, including any checks you performed and any noticeable changes in the future. This information will help the doctor provide a thorough evaluation.
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Stay Informed and Reach Out: If you have difficulty getting an appointment, consider reaching out to your pediatrician to ask about earlier availability or alternatives, such as telehealth consultations.
Remember, many boys with undescended testicles may need minor intervention if descent does not occur naturally, typically before the age of four to avoid potential complications. Your attention to this issue is a positive step, and consulting a healthcare professional will provide the best path forward. Please feel free to ask further questions or share updates!
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