Checkups During Puberty and Adulthood After an Undescended Testicle

During puberty, the testicle stops being the small, quiet organ it was in childhood; it grows rapidly, testosterone production increases, and sperm production begins. The real consequences of a history of undescended testicle become visible during this period.

The puberty checkup begins with a physical exam; tests are added only when needed.

• Position, consistency, and volume (orchidometer or ultrasound)
• Assessment of pubertal stage
• FSH, LH, testosterone, and inhibin B when needed
• Teaching self-examination

In those with a history of undescended testicle, testicular cancer risk is higher than average; orchiopexy performed before puberty lowers this risk but doesn't eliminate it. This is why monthly self-examination is taught starting in puberty.

• Once a month, after a warm shower
• Each testicle separately, gently between the fingers
• New firmness, painless growth, feeling of heaviness: seek care
• Sudden, severe pain: emergency (torsion)

In adulthood, the reasons for seeking care change; there are four most common ones: plans to have children, shrinkage or firmness in the testicle, swelling in the groin, and suspicion that the testicle has moved back up.

Having the file that began in childhood continue with the same team into adulthood is the most practical way to catch late-developing problems early.