Retractile Testicle – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
A retractile testicle moves back and forth between the scrotum and groin area. This type of testicle can often be guided manually into the correct position in the scrotum (the skin pouch behind the penis).
After being positioned, it typically stays in place temporarily.
Most boys with retractile testicles find that this condition resolves naturally before or during puberty. The testicle eventually settles permanently in its proper location in the scrotum without requiring medical intervention.
In some cases, however, the retractile testicle may remain in the groin and lose its mobility. When this happens, the condition is referred to as an ascending testicle or an acquired undescended testicle. This different condition may require medical attention.
Key characteristics of retractile testicles:
- Move between scrotum and groin
- Can be manually guided into proper position
- Usually resolve naturally before or during puberty
- May occasionally develop into an ascending testicle
Signs of Retractile Testicle
A retractile testicle happens when a testicle that has properly descended into the scrotum moves back up into the groin area. This is different from an undescended testicle, which never made it to the scrotum in the first place.
You might notice these signs in a child with a retractile testicle:
- The testicle can be gently guided from the groin into the scrotum and stays there briefly
- The testicle sometimes appears in the scrotum on its own for periods of time
- The testicle may disappear back into the groin area without warning
During baby development, testicles form inside the abdomen. They normally move down into the scrotum before birth or within a few months after. In retractile testicles, this process happened correctly, but the testicle doesn’t stay in place.
When To Contact a Healthcare Provider
Regular check-ups are important for monitoring testicle development. Healthcare providers will examine your child’s testicles during routine well-baby visits and yearly check-ups.
If you notice your son’s testicle seems to move in and out of the scrotum, schedule an appointment with his doctor.
Your child’s healthcare provider can determine if the condition needs treatment and will recommend how often to return for follow-up visits. Don’t wait for the next scheduled appointment if you have concerns about your child’s testicle development.
Causes
Retractile testicles occur when the cremaster muscle becomes overactive. This thin, pouch-like muscle surrounds each testicle and can pull it upward toward the body when it contracts. Several factors can trigger this muscle’s contraction:
- Cold temperatures
- Strong emotions (fear or laughter)
- Stimulation of nerves in the inner thigh
When the cremaster reflex becomes particularly strong, it can completely pull the testicle out of the scrotum and into the groin area. This natural reflex varies in strength from person to person, which explains why some males experience retractile testicles while others don’t.
Risk Factors
No known factors increase the risk of retractile testicles. Medical research has not identified specific causes or conditions that make some boys more likely to have this condition than others.
Complications
Retractile testicles usually don’t cause health problems. However, they may increase the risk of a condition called ascending testicle. This happens when a testicle that once descended properly moves back up into the groin and stays there.
