How is cryptorchidism formed?
Cryptorchidism is one of the common congenital anomalies of the male reproductive system. It means that the testicles fail to descend to the scrotum normally and stay in the abdominal cavity or groin. This article will combine medical research and recent hot topics to conduct a structured analysis from the aspects of causes, classification, diagnosis and treatment.
1. Causes of cryptorchidism

The causes of cryptorchidism are complex and usually related to the following factors:
| Influencing factors | Specific instructions |
|---|---|
| genetic factors | Family history or genetic mutations (such as INSL3, GREAT gene abnormalities) |
| Abnormal hormone levels | Insufficient maternal androgen secretion during pregnancy or abnormal placental function |
| anatomical abnormalities | Defects in the development of the testicular girdle or inguinal canal stenosis |
| environmental factors | Exposure to endocrine disruptors (such as bisphenol A, phthalates) during pregnancy |
2. Classification of cryptorchidism
According to the location where the testicles stay, they can be divided into:
| Type | Proportion | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Celiac cryptorchidism | About 10-20% | The testicles are located in the abdominal cavity and are difficult to detect by palpation |
| Inguinal cryptorchidism | about 70% | Testicles lodged in the inguinal canal |
| Ectopic cryptorchidism | about 5% | The testicles deviate from their normal path of descent (such as the perineum) |
3. Recent related hot research
Research hot spots on cryptorchidism in the medical field in the past 10 days include:
| research topic | Key findings | Data source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact of environmental pollutants | For every 10 μg/m³ increase in PM2.5 exposure, the risk of cryptorchidism increases by 18%. | Environmental Health Outlook 2024 |
| Progress in minimally invasive surgery | The success rate of robot-assisted cryptorchidopexy can reach 97.3% | Journal of Pediatric Surgery 2024 |
| long term health risks | The risk of testicular cancer in patients with untreated cryptorchidism is 4-10 times that of the normal population | Annals of Urology 2024 |
4. Diagnosis and treatment
The clinical treatment process mainly includes:
| age stage | Solutions | success rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Observe and wait (some parts may decline naturally) | about 25% |
| 6-12 months | Hormone therapy (hCG or GnRH) | About 20-30% |
| 1-2 years old | Orchidopexy (Orchidopexy) | >95% |
5. Prevention and precautions
1. Avoid exposure to known endocrine disruptors during pregnancy
2. Newborns should undergo standardized reproductive system examinations
3. It is recommended that the time for surgical intervention should not exceed 18 months of age.
4. Regular follow-up is required after surgery until puberty.
Note: The data in this article are synthesized from the latest WHO guidelines (2024) and clinical studies collected in PubMed in the past 10 days. The treatment plan needs to be individually formulated.
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