Retractile Testicle: How to Care for Your Child

A baby boy's testicles (also called testes) form in his belly before birth. Shortly before birth, the testicles usually move down from the baby's belly into the scrotum and stay there.

A retractile testicle moves up and down between the scrotum and the groin (where the lower belly meets the upper leg). It doesn't hurt, and in most cases the testicle will stay in the scrotum by puberty.

The health care provider may have gently moved your son's testicle down into the scrotum and held it there for about a minute. This did not hurt. The testicle may have moved back out of the scrotum shortly after the exam, or it may move later.

Your health care provider may refer your child to a urologist (a doctor who specializes in the urinary system and boys' reproductive systems). Your health care provider or the urologist will check your child's testicle every year.

Your son may need treatment if:

• The testicle doesn't grow normally.

• The doctor thinks the testicle is undescended (meaning it does not go into the scrotum at all).

• The testicle is painful.

• The testicle doesn't stay in the scrotum on its own by the time your son goes through puberty.

• No special care is needed at home.

• Be sure to schedule a yearly appointment so the health care provider or urologist can check your son's testicle.

• Your son feels uncomfortable in the area of the testicle or groin.

• You have any questions about your son's retractile testicle(s).

• Your son has severe pain in the testicle or groin.

• Your son has pain in the testicle or groin along with nausea or vomiting.

Why do some boys have retractile testicles? In boys, a muscle pulls the testicle closer to the body to protect it from getting too cold. When boys have a retractile testicle, this muscle pulls the testicle too far up — all the way into the groin.