YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH CARE/ GENITAL, GROIN AND URINARY TRACT PROBLEMS: TWISTED TESTICLE (TORSION) AND UNDESCENDED TESTICLE

This is a condition in which a testicle suddenly becomes twisted, and its blood supply is blocked off. If it is not corrected quickly, the testicle may die.

Cause

The cause of a twisted testicle is uncertain.

Clinical features

Your child may complain of rapid onset of severe pain in the groin and of a sore lower abdomen. Within several hours the scrotum over the affected testicle may become very tender, hot and swollen.

Treatment

You should see your doctor immediately if your child has a swollen or painful testicle. Torsion of the testicle is a surgical emergency and must be operated on immediately if the testicle is to be saved.

The testicle is straightened and sewn into position to prevent twisting from recurring. The other testicle may be sewn into position at the same time, also as a preventive measure.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent this condition from occurring initially.

UNDESCENDED TESTICLE

Cause

In the developing foetus the testicle forms within the abdomen and later moves down into the scrotum. An undescended testicle is one which does not lie fully within the sac of the scrotum. This is a relatively common condition, and 2% of newborn have one or two undescended testicles. Within a year, these usually slip down to lie within the scrotum.

Treatment

If, after a year, this has not occurred, then surgical intervention is usually necessary to prevent damage to the testicle. Consult your doctor if you suspect your child has an undescended testicle.

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