What is retractile testicle?

A retractile testicle is a condition where the testicle moves through the inguinal canal, changing position on its own or with a gentle touch, and moving from the groin to the scrotum or vice versa.

What are Retractile Testicles?

A retractile testicle usually occurs in childhood and resolves during adolescence, when the testicle reaches its proper scrotal location and remains there permanently without causing complications.

In cases where the testicle becomes fixed in the inguinal area and cannot be moved, the retractile testicle becomes an undescended testicle, also known as cryptorchidism. This can lead to complications and increase the risk of developing testicular cancer.

The cause of a testicle retracting is the involuntary stimulation of the cremaster muscle, which pulls the testicle up as part of the cremasteric reflex. If the stimulus is very intense, the testicle rises into the groin, becoming a retractile testicle.

In most cases, this condition occurs in boys, who typically don’t experience obvious pain or discomfort.

The main sign is that the testicle may not be present in the scrotum at certain times, although it can be gently guided down without difficulty. This is what differentiates it from other conditions like an undescended testicle.

Generally, there is no pain or swelling, but in some cases, parents or caregivers may notice scrotal asymmetry or the intermittent disappearance of the testicle.

It’s rare for the testicle to remain outside the scrotum for prolonged periods, but if it does, it can result in mild discomfort or pain, especially during physical activity.

Although it is often a benign condition, it is always important to seek medical evaluation to rule out other potential testicular development abnormalities.

The diagnosis of a retractile testicle is based primarily on a physical examination performed by a doctor, preferably a pediatrician or a urologist. During this exam, the specialist will try to locate the testicle in the scrotum, and if it’s not there, they may try to gently move it from the inguinal canal into the scrotum.

If the testicle can be guided down without resistance and remains in the scrotum for a while, it’s considered retractile.

In some cases, if the diagnosis is in doubt, the evaluation can be supplemented with a scrotal or inguinal ultrasound to confirm the testicle’s location and assess its size and structure. Periodic follow-up may also be recommended because in many boys, the retractile testicle permanently descends over time.

If there are signs that the testicle is developing a fixed position outside the scrotum, a condition known as an ascending testicle, surgical intervention may be required.

Treatment for a retractile testicle is generally not required in most cases because the condition often resolves spontaneously as the child grows.

The main approach is regular observation and medical check-ups to ensure the testicle remains mobile and there are no signs of it taking a fixed position outside the scrotum.

During these consultations, the specialist will assess testicular development and rule out other possible complications such as future atrophy or infertility.

If the doctor determines that the testicle is no longer retractile and is behaving like an ascending or undescended testicle, they will discuss the option of an orchiopexy, a surgical procedure to move and secure the testicle in the scrotum.

At the ABC Medical Center’s Pediatrics department, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!