A retractile testicle is a testicle that may move back and forth between the scrotum and the groin. When the retractile testicle is residing in the groin, it might be easily guided by hand into its proper position in the scrotum — the bag of skin hanging behind the penis — during a physical exam.


In fewer than 5 percent of cases, the retractile testicle remains in the groin and is no longer movable. When this happens, the condition is called an ascending testicle or an acquired undescended testicle.

Testicles form in the abdomen during fetal development. During the final months of development, the testicles gradually descend into the scrotum. If this descent isn't completed at birth, the testicle usually descends within a few months. If your son has a retractile testicle, the testicle originally descended as it should, but doesn't remain in place.

Signs and symptoms of a retractile testicle include:

  • The testicle might spontaneously appear in the scrotum and remain there for a time.
  • The testicle might spontaneously disappear again for a time.

The movement of a retractile testicle almost always occurs without pain or discomfort. As a result, it's noticed only when the testicle is no longer seen or felt in the scrotum.

The position of one testicle is usually independent of the position of the other one. For example, a boy might have one normal testicle and one retractile testicle.

Retractile testicle is different from undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). An undescended testicle is one that never entered the scrotum.

When to see a doctor

During regular well-baby checkups and annual childhood checkups, your son's doctor will examine your son's testicles to determine if they're descended and appropriately developed. If you believe that your son has a retractile or ascending testicle — or have other concerns about the development of his testicles — see his doctor. He or she will tell you how often to schedule checkups to monitor changes in the condition.





Causes of an ascending testicle

Some retractile testicles can become ascending testicles. This means the once-movable testicle becomes stuck in the "up position." Contributing factors can include: 

  • Remnants of fetal tissues. Abnormal remnants of fetal tissues that created the path for normal testicular descent might affect the growth or elasticity of the spermatic cord.
  • Scar tissue from hernia surgery. An inguinal hernia is caused by a small gap in the abdominal lining through which a portion of the intestines can protrude into the groin. Scar tissue following surgery to repair the hernia might limit the growth or elasticity of the spermatic cord.

Retractile testicles are generally not associated with complications, aside from a greater risk of the testicle becoming an ascending testicle.

An ascending testicle, if not treated, is vulnerable to the same risks associated with an undescended testicle. Surgical treatment during childhood to correct an undescended testicle reduces these risks. Risks associated with an untreated undescended testicle include:

  • Testicular cancer. Testicular cancer usually begins in the cells in the testicle that produce immature sperm. What causes these cells to develop into cancer is unknown. Men who have had an undescended testicle have a greater risk of testicular cancer.
  • Fertility problems. Low sperm counts, poor sperm quality and low fertility rates are more likely among men who have had an undescended testicle.
  • Testicular torsion. Testicular torsion is the twisting of the spermatic cord. This painful condition cuts off blood to the testicle. If not treated promptly, it might result in the loss of the testicle. An undescended testicle increases the risk of testicular torsion.
  • Trauma. A testicle located in the groin might be susceptible to trauma or injury from compression against the pubic bone.



  • Have you observed this before?
  • Has your son ever been treated for a hernia?


Your son may be lying down, sitting or standing during this examination. If your son is a toddler, the doctor might have him sit with the soles of his feet touching and knees to the sides. These positions make it easier to find and manipulate the testicle.


If the testicle in the groin moves only partway into the scrotum, if the movement causes pain or discomfort, or if the testicle immediately retreats to its original location, it's most likely not a retractile testicle. The testicle would be considered undescended, or if the testicle had been in the scrotum at one time, it would be considered an ascending testicle.


If the testicle has ascended — no longer movable by hand —your son's doctor will likely recommend surgery to move the testicle permanently into the scrotum. Also, if the testicle is still retractile during puberty, surgery will likely be recommended in the early teen years to ensure proper maturation of the testicle.

During this surgical procedure (orchiopexy), the surgeon frees the testicle and cord from any attached tissues, positions the testicle in the scrotum and stitches it into place.

After surgery, bicycle riding must be avoided and other sports activity limited for a couple of weeks. Follow-up exams to assess wound healing and the position of the testicle will be needed two weeks after surgery and again after six months.


Although hormone treatments have been used to treat ascending testicles or retractile testicles in adolescents, the American Urology Association's 2014 guidelines no longer include this intervention because of a lack of evidence for successful response or long-term effectiveness.


  • Check the position of the testicles regularly during diaper changing or at bath time. Keep a record of any changes.

If your son has a retractile testicle, he might be sensitive about his appearance. He might have anxieties about looking different from friends or classmates. To help your son cope:

  • Explain in simple terms what a retractile testicle is.
  • Remind him that there's nothing wrong with him.
  • Explain that the position of the testicle is something you, your son and his doctor will pay attention to and fix, if necessary.
  • Buy loosefitting boxer shorts and swim trunks that might make the condition less noticeable when changing clothes and playing sports at school.
Sept. 16, 2015