How to Tell If Your Testicles Have Dropped

In case you are curious about whether your testicles have properly descended, start by checking their position. You should feel both in the scrotum—smooth, firm, and without lumps. By six months of age, they’re usually in place, but some variations happen naturally. Should one or both seem missing or shift unexpectedly, though, it’s time to talk to a doctor. Comprehension of the signs now can help spot issues sooner, so you know at what point to take the next step.

Understanding Testicular Descent

As a baby grows in the womb, his testicles start developing near the kidneys before gradually moving down toward the scrotum. This process, called testicular descent, usually finishes late in pregnancy or within the initial six months after birth.

Should one or both testicles not descend, it’s called undescended testicles or cryptorchidism, found in about 1 in 25 boys at birth. A physical exam checks for this—missing testicles in the scrotum might mean intervention is needed. Most cases fix themselves, but unless treated by 12 months, the risk of fertility problems or testicular cancer rises.

Surgery could be required for persistent cases, affecting roughly 1 in 100 boys. Immediate action helps avoid complications, so regular check-ups matter. Stay calm—many cases resolve naturally.

Signs of Dropped Testicles

You’ve learned how testicles usually move into place before or soon after birth, but how do you know whether they’ve actually dropped?

Should they’ve descended, you’ll feel both testicles in the scrotum—smooth, firm, and without lumps.

During an examination, a doctor checks for this by gently feeling the area.

Undescended testicles could still be in the groin, while retractile ones move between the scrotum and groin.

In children, this is often spotted promptly during routine health visits.

In case the testicles aren’t where they should be, it’s usually noticeable by six months.

Don’t panic—some boys just need a little more time.

But in case you’re unsure, a quick check with a healthcare provider can give you peace of mind.

Normal Variations in Testicle Position

While testicles usually settle into the scrotum before birth, it’s not uncommon for their position to vary slightly—and that’s often completely normal. Your testes may not always hang symmetrically; one can sit lower than the other, which is typical. A retractile testicle can move between the scrotum and groin, especially in response to cold or stress, but it’s usually manageable with gentle pressure. Regular examination helps track these changes.

These variations rarely need intervention, but monitoring guarantees everything stays on track.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Should your child’s testicles haven’t dropped by six months, reach out to your doctor—this persistent undescended condition needs attention.

You should also check in with a healthcare provider should you notice sudden changes in testicle position, like one moving higher than usual.

These signs could point to a treatable issue, so getting help promptly makes a difference.

Persistent Undescended Testicle

At what point should you be concerned in case your baby’s testicles haven’t dropped?

If one or both testicles haven’t moved into the scrotum by 3 to 4 months, it’s time to talk to a doctor. A persistent undescended testicle affects about 1 in 100 boys, so prompt identification is key.

Regular follow-up exams help track progress, but provided the testicle stays undescended by 6 months, medical intervention like orchidopexy (a simple surgery) could be needed. This reduces risks of complications later, such as fertility issues or cancer.

Don’t panic—most cases resolve on their own, but staying proactive guarantees your little one stays healthy. Trust your instincts and keep those checkups scheduled.

Changes in Testicle Position

Because you’re keeping an eye on your baby’s development, noticing changes in testicle positioning swiftly helps catch potential issues before they become bigger concerns. Should one or both testicles aren’t in the scrotum during check-ups, it could mean an undescended testicle, which needs a healthcare consultation. The absence beyond 6 months warrants attention. Watch for swelling, odd shapes, or retractile testicles that stop moving—these signs mean it’s time to act.

Regular check-ups help track positioning in children, ensuring prompt intervention should it be needed. Trust your instincts—should something feel off, consult a professional.

Common Conditions Affecting Testicle Position

While most boys are born with their testicles in the scrotum, sometimes one or both don’t drop into place right away—a condition called undescended testicles (cryptorchidism).

In case your baby has a low birth weight or was born prematurely, they’re more likely to have this issue. Usually, the testicle moves down on its own by 6 months, but in the event it doesn’t, surgical intervention could be needed to prevent complications like infertility or cancer later.

Another condition, retractile testicle, happens when the testicle moves between the groin and scrotum but usually settles by puberty.

Less common is an ascending testicle, where it drifts back up and stays stuck—this also needs a doctor’s check.

Should you be unsure, a pediatrician can help spot these sooner.

Self-Examination Techniques

Start by gently rolling each testicle between your thumb and fingers to check for smoothness and firmness.

You’ll want to feel behind them for the epididymis, a soft tube-like structure, to confirm they’re in the right place.

Should you notice any lumps, swelling, or pain during the exam, it’s best to get checked by a doctor.

Step-by-Step Guide

After a warm bath or shower, at the time the muscles are relaxed, it’s easier to check whether your testicles have descended properly.

Start by standing in front of a mirror to look for any visible changes in your scrotum. Gently hold it with one hand and use the other to feel for each testicle. Roll them between your thumb and fingers—they should feel smooth and firm.

Should they’ve dropped, they’ll stay in place and won’t move back up. One may hang lower, which is normal.

Repeat self-examinations monthly to track any last changes, especially during puberty. Warmth helps, so check after a shower while the scrotum is relaxed.

In case you can’t feel both, don’t panic—just note it and talk to a doctor.

Recognizing Normal Findings

Have you ever pondered what’s normal at the time of checking your testicles? Whenever doing self-examinations, recall that one testicle often sits slightly lower in the scrotum, and that’s perfectly fine.

They should feel smooth, firm but not hard, and free of lumps. It’s normal for their size to vary a little—just track any sudden changes over months. Behind each one, you’ll feel the epididymis, a soft tube that shouldn’t be swollen or tender.

Your scrotum may also shift with temperature, which is part of healthy function. In case something feels off, like unusual hardness or pain, don’t panic—just get it checked.

Regular checks help you spot abnormalities promptly, so you’re in tune with your health. Stay consistent, and you’ll know what’s normal for you.

Potential Complications to Watch For

Since undescended testicles don’t settle into the scrotum like they should, they can lead to a few serious health risks you’ll want to keep an eye on.

Cryptorchidism (the medical term for an undescended testicle) raises your risk of testicular cancer, even though it’s corrected later. Fertility issues are another concern—higher temperatures in the abdomen can harm sperm production.

Undescended testicles increase cancer risk and may impair fertility due to abdominal heat affecting sperm. Early intervention helps.

You may also face testicular torsion, where the testicle twists and cuts off blood flow, causing severe pain. Inguinal hernias can develop too, as weak spots in the abdominal wall let intestines push through.

Regular monitoring helps catch these complications sooner. Should you have an undescended testicle, staying aware of these risks guarantees you can act fast should something feel off.

Treatment Options for Undescended Testicles

Acting fast gives your child the best chance at a healthy future.