A child's testicles develop before birth. They start inside the
abdomen. The testicles should then move down into the scrotum
just before birth. Undescended testes stay in or return to the
abdomen. A "true" undescended testicles situation is present at
birth. The testicle remains in the abdomen until treated. Other
situations that allow the testicles go up into the abdomen
include: - Retractile testicles—the testicles can move freely
between the scrotum and abdomen. This condition does not require
treatment and usually disappears by puberty. - Ascending
testicles—a normal testicle returns to the abdomen Undescended
testicles are often caused by a disruption in the development of
the testicles. The cause of this disruption is not clear.
Genetics may play a role. There may also be some problems with
the hormones that help testes develop. The testicles may also
have been injured at some point during the pregnancy. Factors
that may increase your child's risk of undescended testicles
include: The main symptom is n