Cryptorchidism and long-term consequences

SUMMARYCryptorchidism has been on the rise for several decades and can be observed with frequency of 1–2% of males within the first year of age. It may appear as an isolated disorder or can be a consequence of genetic and endocrine abnormalities connected with somatic anomalies. Its genetic background still seems to be unclear although a range of genes can be responsible for the development of this syndrome. Cryptorchidism can be associated with serum testosterone level although the often co-existing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may also indicate the involvement of pituitary hormones. Recently, environmental factors have been blamed for cryptorchidism induction. Autoimmune reactions in conjunction with steroid hormones regulating immune response can be also partly responsible for cryptorchidism etiology. The appearance of antisperm antibodies can be considered as a marker or a serious side-effect of uncorrected cryptorchidism. If so, it could be implied that early surgery (orchidopexy) should be beneficial since it may prevent antisperm antibodies induction or at least eliminate them in the post-operative period.