10 year oldest testicle disappeared

[Housetreehouse]

It was definitely descended before. He just mentioned it and he's right it has retracted. Will call the GP and I understand they can go up and down until puberty but wondered if anyone had any experience? Could it reappear without intervention? How long would they monitor it before a procedure?

They can reappear is he cold?

It's very warm here today so it's not that he's cold

Is he in any pain even if it's like a stomach ache? When my son had a torsion, one testicle went up so they were lopsided and he needed an operation that evening.

I would call 111 or take him to minor injuries

This is very common - my son has it with both testes (which were descended before). There's been no sign of them for months. He's having surgery next week. It could be a retractile testicle (one that goes up and down) or an ascended testicle (one that's stuck inside). See the GP - they'll know whether it's a temporary problem or if he needs surgery.

No pain. Google says retracting testicles are pretty common age 1-10

Just to explain the process with us. We went to the doctors in Feb and he tried to move them down but couldn't. He than had an ultrasound scan and the radiographer also tried to move them but they were firmly stuck. Finally he was referred to pediatric urology. Again the consultant tried to move them but they weren't budging. Surgery was the answer in our case.

Thanks @SallyWD really helpful

You're welcome. My son is also 10. Hopefully it's just retractile in your son's case. If not, it's good that it's only one (less likely to affect his future fertility). I'm concerned that it's both testicles for my son and we don't know how long they've been ascended. I would advise all parents to check their sons, or ask their sons to check themselves. It can happen at any age when they're young.

Does he know when they went back up? Are you able to feel them in his pubic area or see them? Might be worth try a hot Bath (I know it’s super hot this week but a Bath will make everything relaxed). I’m sure if they have been up a few weeks or months there’s no point in going to minor injury’s. If it’s just happened then maybe but the GP is probs the best course of action tomorrow. I’m glad he’s not in pain

Had another feel this morning after a shower and I think I can feel the bottom of it at the top of his scrotum. I'm going to make a gp appt tomorrow

@Housetreehouse How did you get on with the GP

@YoungWild thanks for checking back - GP couldn't locate it either. We got a private referral and were seen by the consultant yesterday. It's in his groin - surgery scheduled for next month

I'm glad it's all happening so quickly. I assume because of the private referral. Hope all goes well.

My eldest son had a testicle disappear back inside him. He had a minor op to bring it back down and they put a stitch in scrotum to stop it going up again.

That's exactly the procedure my DS is due to have @caringcarer

I was about to come on and post something similar, my 12yo son says his left ball disappears sometimes

My son's having this tomorrow for both testes.

If it's only sometimes it's known as retractile testes. It's not seen as too much of a problem and they wouldn't usually recommend surgery in these cases. If you're worried there's no harm seeing a GP. There's info here towards the bottom of the page: www.nhs.uk/conditions/undescended-testicles/