Cryptorchis is a medical term that refers to the condition where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum. The word is spelled as krip-tawr-kis and is pronounced as /krɪpˈtɔːrkɪs/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a "p" sound. The second syllable has the long "or" sound and ends with a "k" sound. The final syllable has a short "i" sound followed by "s" and "k" sounds. This term is often used in urology and requires treatment to prevent complications such as infertility or testicular cancer.
Cryptorchis is a medical term used to describe a condition in which one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. The word "cryptorchis" is derived from the Greek roots "kryptos" meaning hidden, and "orchis" meaning testicle. It is considered a congenital anomaly and is more commonly known as undescended testicles.
In normal development, the testes typically descend from the abdomen into the scrotum before birth. However, in the case of cryptorchis, this descent does not occur or is incomplete. As a result, one or both testicles remain hidden and suspended within the abdomen or groin region. This condition primarily affects male infants and can occur in varying degrees of severity.
Cryptorchis may be diagnosed during routine physical examination, where the healthcare provider is unable to feel or locate the testicles in the scrotum. If left untreated, cryptorchidism can lead to potential complications such as increased risk of testicular cancer, infertility, and sexual dysfunction in adulthood. Therefore, early detection and treatment of this condition are crucial.
Treatment for cryptorchis often involves surgical intervention. Orchiopexy, the most common surgical procedure for undescended testicles, is performed to bring the testis down into the scrotum and fixate it in the correct location. This intervention is typically accomplished during early childhood to ensure proper development of the testicles and prevent complications later in life.
Overall, cryptorchis refers to the medical condition in which one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum. It is important to diagnose and treat this condition promptly to minimize long-term effects on fertility and overall health.
Cryptorchid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cryptorchis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "kryptos" meaning "hidden" or "concealed", and "orchis" meaning "testicle". The term is used in medicine to describe a condition known as cryptorchidism, which refers to the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum.