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How does cryptorchidism affect the testes?
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reproductive system disease
Varicocele, enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord, is a cause of infertility in men.
Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum, instead remaining in the inguinal canal or the abdominal cavity. This displacement significantly affects the testes in several ways:
- Functionality: Undescended testes are typically nonfunctional, producing few or no sperm. This is because the scrotum is essential for maintaining the lower temperature required for viable sperm production.
- Physical Vulnerability: An undescended testis is more susceptible to physical injury and is at a higher risk of having its blood supply cut off due to twisting.
- Cancer Risk: There is a significantly increased risk—5 to 10 times higher—of developing testicular cancer in an undescended testis, a risk that persists even after surgical correction.
While hormonal or surgical treatments are used to move the testes into the scrotum, early intervention is critical to preserve function and mitigate long-term health risks.12