Undescended testicles are usually diagnosed soon after the baby is born or during a routine check-up when they are six to eight weeks old.

Physical examination

The first stage in diagnosing undescended testicles is to carry out a physical examination to see whether the testicles can be felt near the scrotum (palpable) or if they cannot be felt at all (unpalpable).

The physical examination can sometimes be difficult, and your doctor may refer your child to a paediatric surgeon to help with getting the right diagnosis.

Further tests

In some cases, a number of further tests may also be carried out to locate the affected testicles(s) and check for any related problems (such as abnormal hormone levels).

These tests may include an ultrasound scan, a diagnostic laparoscopy (see below), and urine and blood tests (in rare cases).

Diagnostic laparoscopy

A procedure called a diagnostic laparoscopy may be needed to find an unpalpable testicle. Diagnostic laparoscopy is a type of 'keyhole surgery' that uses an instrument called a laparoscope inserted through a small incision usually made in the belly button (so it is hard to see afterwards).

A laparoscope is a small tube containing a light source and a camera. The camera relays images of the inside the abdomen (tummy) or pelvis to a television monitor.

Depending on where the testicle is located, it may be possible to perform surgery immediately to reposition the testicle into the scrotum.

Read more about how undescended testicles are treated.