Relocating the testicle into the scrotum may decrease the risk of fertility problems, particularly if done at an early age. There are other advantages to a location within the scrotum. There is a cosmetic advantage. The scrotal testicle may be less amenable to injury than a testicle outside the scrotum. Finally, and perhaps as important as any other reason, a testicle that has not made it into the scrotum is not accessible to physical examination.
Undescended testicles are at increased risk for cancer.
Testicular cancer may not occur until after age 40 years. Testicular carcinoma is highly curable, when detected early, and the best way to do this is monthly self-examination, which can only be done if the testicles are within the scrotum. We recommend treatment of the undescended testicle before one year of age. There is evidence that early damage to the germ cells that produce sperm begins at this age. There are two options for treatment.