Spring testicles in male children

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Tran Van Trong - Specialist in Pediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery - Aesthetics - Department of General Surgery, Vinmec Danang International Hospital

A springless testicle is a testicle that can move back and forth between the scrotum and groin (inguinal). When the testicle is retracted, it will be in the groin and when the doctor examines it, it can easily be used to bring the testicle back into the scrotum. In most boys, testicular springs disappear before or during puberty. But sometimes the testicles are still in the groin and can't be moved anymore.

Testicles form in the abdomen during fetal development. During the final months, the testicles will gradually move down into the scrotum. If the testicle does not descend into the scrotum before birth, the testicle usually descends within a few months. Signs and symptoms of testicle retraction (also known as retractile testicle) include:
The testicle can be moved manually from the groin to the scrotum but not immediately retracted. Crotch; Testicles may appear in the scrotum and remain there for a short time; The testicles continue to disappear in the scrotum again for a period of time; Testicular spring is different from testicle ectopic (cryptorchidism). An ectopic testicle is a testicle that is unable to descend into the scrotum and is not in the normal path of the testicle into the scrotum. During the newborn's routine physical exam and routine physical exam, the pediatrician will examine the child's testicles to determine if the testicles have descended into the scrotum and are growing properly. If parents suspect that their child has undescended testicles or undescended testicles or have other questions about their child's testicular development, they should see their pediatrician soon.

Spring testicles are caused by overactivity of the muscles that cause one testicle to become a springy testicle. The scrotal muscle (English name is the cremaster muscle) is a small band of striated muscle located in the spermatic cord and connected to the internal oblique muscle in the abdominal wall.
When the scrotal muscle contracts, it pulls the testicle up toward the abdomen. The scrotal muscle reflex can be stimulated by rubbing a nerve in the inner thigh or by emotions such as fear and laughter. The scrotal muscle is also stimulated when the baby is in a cold environment. If the reflex of the scrotal muscle is strong enough, it can lead to a springy testicle, pulling the testicle out of the scrotum and up into the groin.

Spring testicles usually do not cause many complications, but if not treated in time, spring testicles will become undescended testicles.

If the child does not have a testicle that is not in the scrotum, the doctor will look for the location of the testicle that may be in the groin. Once the position is determined, the doctor will try to gently bring the testicle back into the scrotum. During the procedure, the child can lie, sit or stand. These positions make it easier for the doctor to find and manipulate the testicles. If:
Testicle springs then the testicle will move relatively easily and will not move back into the groin immediately. If the testicle immediately retracts to the groin, it is most likely an undescended testicle or a movable testicle.

In most cases, the treatment of spring testicles does not require immediate surgery, but regular follow-up until puberty. This condition should go away sometime before or during puberty. Until the testicles descend into the scrotum permanently, the child still needs to be monitored and re-examined every year. About one-third of spring testicles become true undescended testicles.
If a springy testicle becomes an undescended testicle, the doctor will have to perform surgery to permanently insert the testicle into the scrotum. After that, the child will need to have his testicles monitored to check and avoid recurrence. To protect the child's reproductive health in the future, parents should take the baby to a reputable medical center for early examination and treatment.

Reference source: mayoclinic.org