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Health condition

Undescended testicle in adults

An undescended testicle discovered or persisting in adulthood carries an increased cancer risk and usually cannot produce sperm - specialist assessment determines whether removal or repositioning is right.

Last reviewed 2026-09-27 · Next review due 2027-09-27

Key points

  • The testicle may sit in the groin or abdomen rather than the scrotum

  • Undescended testicles have a higher risk of cancer and reduced fertility

  • Adults with an empty hemi-scrotum should be assessed even without symptoms

  • A consultant urologist arranges imaging and discusses surgery

  • Removal is often advised post-puberty; the other testicle usually maintains hormones and fertility

Understanding it

About Undescended testicle in adults.

About 1 in 25 boys is born with an undescended testicle, and occasionally the condition is missed or recurs. In adults, the misplaced testicle rarely works normally and is harder to examine, which matters because it carries an elevated cancer risk.

Examination and imaging to locate the testicle, then a discussion of orchidectomy (removal) versus repositioning, weighing cancer risk, hormone function and self-examination. On the NHS, routine referrals of this kind often take 20-45+ weeks in many areas, whereas a private consultant urologist can typically see you within around two weeks, with any tests and treatment arranged promptly afterwards.

A quiet reminder

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP or specialist knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and treat sudden severe symptoms as an emergency.

Frequently asked

Common questions about Undescended testicle in adults.

Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.

  • What does it mean to have an undescended testicle as an adult?

    It means a testicle that didn't move down into the scrotum during infancy remains in the abdomen or groin into adulthood, either because it was never surgically corrected or corrective surgery wasn't fully successful.

  • What causes an undescended testicle?

    It results from the testicle failing to complete its normal descent from the abdomen into the scrotum before birth, due to a combination of hormonal and physical factors during foetal development.

  • What are the symptoms in adults?

    Often there are no symptoms other than an empty or asymmetric scrotum on the affected side, though some men experience discomfort, and it can be associated with reduced fertility.

  • Is having an undescended testicle in adulthood dangerous?

    Yes, an undescended testicle carries a higher lifetime risk of testicular cancer compared with a normally descended testicle, along with a higher risk of infertility and, occasionally, torsion, so specialist assessment is recommended.

  • Can an undescended testicle be treated in adulthood?

    Yes, options include surgical repositioning (orchidopexy) if the testicle is viable and reachable, or removal (orchidectomy) if it's not functional or is high risk, particularly given the increased cancer risk.

  • How is an undescended testicle in an adult managed?

    Management typically involves ultrasound assessment, discussion of cancer risk, and a decision between surgical repositioning, removal, or, in some cases, careful surveillance, based on individual circumstances and the testicle's location and condition.

  • How long does recovery take after surgery?

    Recovery from orchidopexy or orchidectomy is generally a couple of weeks for return to normal activity, though heavier activity may need to be avoided for around four to six weeks.

  • Undescended testicle vs retractile testicle - what's the difference?

    An undescended testicle has never fully descended into the scrotum and stays out of position, while a retractile testicle has descended normally but temporarily pulls up into the groin (often due to a reflex) and can be manually brought back down; the distinction is made on examination.

  • Does having an undescended testicle affect fertility?

    It can, particularly if both testicles are affected or if correction happened later in life, so fertility assessment is often recommended alongside management of the undescended testicle.

  • When should I see a urologist, and how quickly can I be seen privately?

    See a urologist for assessment and discussion of treatment options. NHS urology waits can be lengthy; private urologists can often see you within about two weeks.