6yold's testicles- we don't think ds's are there, can you tell me about your son's please? Sorry if that's too rude!

[bramblina]

Dh and his brother both had undescended testicles so we've always been aware there was a chance ds would have the same problem. We can't seem to find them so went to see the GP last week and because ds was too upset to show her she sent us home to try again and told me they should be about 2 cm diameter which I was quite surprised at. She showed me with her fingers what she meant, I reckon that was the size of a large marble, not a standard one IYKWIM.
DH and DS tried tonight to find them, they think they are there but dh says what he found was smaller than a pea.
Sorry to ask but could you tell me roughly the size of your ds's testicles- I know that's terribly rude but I can't find any info on internet- I've googled pictures but OMG not good!!!

TIA

I'd say my DS's are probably a similar size to a peach stone...the actual testicles not the bit that surrounds them...but he's 8!

My son is only 4 but would say they are the size of a small marble

If his testicles are still far inside his body I think it's quite important to get it sorted out quite quickly isn't it in order not to risk infertility through overheating? Can you have a really serious chat with him and explain that and see if he'll let the GP have a look next time. Have you asked him if he would prefer a male GP?

If they were undescended it should have been discovered at his checkup before leaving hospital when he was born. Also checked again at 6 weeks I think [or maybe later- can't remember]. Check your baby record book [red book for us].

Actually, a retractile testicle can be there a month and then disappear for months and then come back. The problem is the canal might get small while the testicle is up and it won't be able to shift back where it is supposed to be.

take him to the gp again.
maybe explain beforehand that he has to undress etc.
afaik the testes should have descended much earlier and usually operated around the second birthday to avoid problems in the future.

Hi all and thank you.

I had asked ds and he asked for our lady dr. She also asked while we were there if he would rather a man but no he likes our lady gp.
Ds's testicles were there at 6 wk check. I had a good look through the book after seeing the gp and noticed there were small helth checks along the way were testes are mentioned and the HV has marked them down as fine but I know they were never checked, I was always there and she never stripped him down. I was so when I read it, and of course with myself for not having checked that earlier. The HV now retired was well hated and I was actually one who defended her sometimes .
Anyway, I will clearly have to call the gp and see what we can do. Ds knows this is important, dangerous possibly and he is aware of dh's operation- we have tried to stress the importance without scaring him, but he is still unhappy to show anyone his bits, I guess he knows it's just generally not the done thing
Thank you all for taking the time to reply

Hi bramblna,
They were probably checked on his very first check up before leaving hospital as well. You know when they check ears/ eyes/ mouth / legs/ reflexs etc. So it won't just have been his HV that checked them. Perhaps they are moving up and down. Try not to worry too much. Easier said than done I know!
I hope all goes well and your son is not too anxious at the doctors when you go again.

They should have picked this up at birth!! My DS2 will have a very small operation when he is 1 and that will solve the problem, perhaps a male doctor would be better to have a look, it might make your son feel more at ease?