May also be called: Undescended Testicle; Undescended Testes; Cryptorchidism Undescended testis, also known as cryptorchidism, is a condition in which one or both of a boy’s testicles (testes) have not moved into their proper place in the scrotum. More to Know A baby boy's testes (testicles) develop in his abdomen before birth. Usually, the testes drop, or descend, from the baby's abdomen into the scrotum shortly before birth. If this does not happen, the baby is born with undescended testis, also called cryptorchidism. Most cases involve one testicle, but occasionally both testes can be undescended. Keep in Mind If the testis doesn't drop to the usual location by the time a baby is 6 months old, surgery is required. Orchiopexy (or-kee-oh-PEK-see) is a common outpatient procedure to correct an undescended testicle (testis). All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Undescended Testicles Shortly before birth, a boy's testicles usually descend into the scrotum. When a testicle doesn't make the move, this is called cryptorchidism, or undescended testicles. Read More Male Reproductive System Understanding the male reproductive system and what it does can help you better understand your son's reproductive health. Read More Testicular Torsion This emergency condition causes extreme genital pain and usually requires surgery to save a boy's testicle. If your son has groin pain, get him to a doctor right away. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.