Undescended Testes

Screening for undescended testes is recommended for boys at school entry (~4-5 years of age).  Around 2-4% of boys have an undescended testes at birth.  But sometimes the testes (also known as testicle) is in the scrotum at birth but is pulled up into the groin or abdomen at around 4-10 years of age.  This happens because the cord that attaches the testicle to the abdomen doesn’t grow at the same rate as the child.

Undescended testes don’t fully sit within the scrotum.  The condition isn’t painful but can increase the risk of several other health issues such as decreased fertility and testicular cancer.  For those boys who develop an undescended testicle later in childhood, the 'ascending' testicle often needs surgery between 5 years and 10 years.

Please read through the information about undescended testicles provided by Raising Children Network and encourage your child to check themselves as described there.

If you have any concerns, please contact your General Practitioner or Community Health Nurse, Rochelle Klose 98480616 / 0427426137 rochelle.klose@health.wa.gov.au