"Xiao Li has had a small problem since he was a child, and his family always thinks that it will be good when he grows up. Who knows, when he reached adulthood, he realized that he could not be a father. "This is an underlying issue that many parents and patients may overlook – cryptorchidism. Cryptorchidism not only affects fertility but can also lead to more serious health problems. This article will delve into the importance of cryptorchidism, the need for early treatment, and how to protect your child's future fertility through timely intervention. Knowing these key pieces of information can help us avoid regrets caused by neglect.
The basic concept of cryptorchidism
What is cryptorchidism?
Undescended testicles, also known as cryptorchidism, is a condition in which the testicles fail to descend properly into the scrotum. Usually, in the first few months of life, the testicles of a male fetus gradually descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum. However, some baby boys' testicles fail to complete this process at birth, causing the testicles to stay in the abdominal cavity, groin, or other abnormal locations.
Classification & Types
Cryptorchidism can be divided into unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism. Unilateral cryptorchidism is when one testicle fails to descend, while bilateral cryptorchidism means that both testicles do not descend. Bilateral cryptorchidism is rare, but the effect on fertility is more significant. In addition, there is "reducible cryptorchidism", which refers to the fact that the testicles can sometimes be manually pulled into the scrotum, but cannot remain in the scrotum.
Dangers of cryptorchidism
Fertility problems
The effect of cryptorchidism on fertility is mainly reflected in abnormal testicular temperature. Normally, the testicles are located in the scrotum and are warmer than the abdominal cavity, which helps in sperm production and survival. Prolonged exposure of undescended testicles to higher temperatures can lead to impaired spermatogenesis and reduced fertility. Studies have shown that people with cryptorchidism have a significantly increased risk of infertility in adulthood, especially those with bilateral cryptorchidism.
Increased risk of testicular cancer
The risk of testicular cancer is significantly higher in patients with cryptorchidism than in the general population. The undescended testis is susceptible to cell mutations due to its abnormal location, resulting in malignant tumors. Statistics show that the incidence of testicular cancer in patients with cryptorchidism is several times higher than that of normal men. Therefore, early treatment not only preserves fertility but also significantly reduces the risk of cancer.
Other health problems
Cryptorchidism can also lead to other health problems. For example, testicles that fail to descend are prone to testicular torsion, leading to severe pain and necrosis of testicular tissue. In addition, cryptorchidism is often accompanied by inguinal hernia, complicating surgical treatment.
The importance of early treatment
Early detection and treatment of cryptorchidism is crucial. It is recommended that parents regularly check the position of the testicles after the birth of their children and seek medical attention in time if they find any abnormalities. Most often, cryptorchidism can be corrected with surgery or hormone therapy. The best time to treat your child is between 6 months and 1 year of age, when the treatment is most effective and maximizes the protection of future fertility.
By detecting and treating cryptorchidism in a timely manner, the above health problems can be effectively avoided and the long-term health and happiness of children can be guaranteed.
Early detection and diagnosis: the key role of parents and doctors
Parental Observation: Detect early signs of cryptorchidism
Parents should pay attention to whether the testicles are descending normally in the daily care of the baby. Normally, a boy's testicles should be located in the scrotum at birth. If parents notice that only one or both sides of the scrotum have not felt the testicles, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Pay attention to changes in your child's physical signs, such as scrotal symmetry and palpability of scrotal contents, which are important clues for early detection of cryptorchidism.
Medical diagnosis: accurate identification of cryptorchidism
When parents notice abnormalities, doctors will make a preliminary diagnosis of cryptorchidism through a physical examination. During the physical exam, your doctor will check the position and size of your testicles by palpation. If palpation isn't clear, your doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as ultrasound, to help confirm the location of your testicles. In addition, doctors may use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to further evaluate complex cases.
Clinical classification: distinguish the type of cryptorchidism
Depending on the location of the testicles, cryptorchidism can be divided into intra-abdominal cryptorchidism, intrainguinal cryptorchidism, and high cryptorchidism. Your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan based on your specific situation. Understanding the types of cryptorchidism can help parents and doctors better assess the need and urgency for treatment.
Treatment: Early intervention to preserve fertility
Pharmacotherapy: the use of hormone therapy
For some mild cases of cryptorchidism, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy. Injections of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can stimulate testicular descent, but the effectiveness of this method varies from person to person. Hormone therapy is often used as an adjunct before surgery to help increase the success rate of treatment.
Surgical treatment: orchiopexy
Surgical treatment is the mainstay of treatment for cryptorchidism. Orchiopexy is usually done when the baby is 6 months to 1 year old. During the procedure, the surgeon moves the undescended testicle into the scrotum through a small incision and holds it in place. The success rate of surgery is high, and there are few postoperative complications, which is an effective means for the treatment of cryptorchidism.
Timing of treatment: the importance of early intervention
Early treatment of cryptorchidism can effectively protect your child's fertility. Studies have shown that early surgery can reduce the risk of infertility and testicular cancer in adulthood. The best time to operate is between 6 months and 1 year of age, when the results are best and the impact on fertility is minimal. Delayed treatment can lead to testicular damage, increasing the risk of infertility and other complications.
A joint effort of parents and doctors
Early detection and prompt treatment of cryptorchidism are crucial. Parents should pay close attention to their child's physical development, and doctors should provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options. Through the joint efforts of parents and doctors, the long-term health problems caused by cryptorchidism can be effectively prevented and the future fertility of children can be protected.