Cryptorchidism or undescended testis is one of the most common genital malformation in boys. The long term consequences of cryptorchidism are sub-fertility or infertility and malignant transformation. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism results in impaired fertility. In unilateral and bilateral undescended testis, the reported paternity rates are about two-third and one-third respectively.
This article summarizes the current knowledge about the various factors affecting the fertility status in cryptorchid men. Cryptorchidism is estimated to affect 1 to 4% of full term and up to 30% of preterm male neonates. The increase in the understanding of the etiopathogenesis, morphogenesis, molecular and hormonal profiles would potentially change our approach and management strategies. Bilateral cryptorchidism is especially associated with impaired spermatogenesis, endocrine derangements and…
