In some boys, the testicle doesn't make the complete trip into the scrotum. It can stop in the abdomen or somewhere along the tunnel. The testicle has a higher chance of developing a tumor later in life. The testicle is less likely to make sperm and male hormones normally. No one knows exactly what causes an undescended testicle, but we do know that it is not caused by anything either parent did during or before the pregnancy.
Cryptorchidism can occur in some family lines.
However, in most cases, cryptorchidism is not inherited. The best treatment for cryptorchidism is a surgical procedure to bring the testicle into the scrotum. Some doctors have used hormone shots or hormone nasal sprays to try to bring the testicle into the scrotum. However, recent studies have shown that this is not successful in most patients. If the doctor can feel the testicle, an incision is made in the groin.