What is testicular retraction? Testicular retraction is a condition in which the testicle descends normally into the scrotum, but can be retracted back into the groin by involuntary muscle contraction. This condition differs from testicular retention, which occurs when one or both testicles fail to descend permanently into the scrotum (cryptorchidism). The retractile testicle moves between the groin and the scrotum in small boys. This condition may seem alarming, but it is not a health risk. The testicle most often returns painlessly to its normal position in the scrotum on its own, but sometimes it may need to be repositioned by hand. Most boys outgrow the condition by puberty. What causes testicular retraction? All men possess the cremaster muscle (which contains muscle fibers from the transverse and internal oblique abdominis muscles, the sac-like muscle that houses the testicle). When the cremaster muscle contracts (shortens), it pulls the testicle up toward the body; this is known as the cremasteric reflex. The cremasteric reflex is triggered by cold, touch, or anxiety. In some boys, this reflex is exaggerated and causes a retracted testicle (testicular retraction). What are the symptoms of testicular retraction? The main sign of the condition is the absence in the scrotum from time to time of one or both testicles. The testicles can easily be placed with the hand down into the scrotum without causing pain. How is testicular retraction diagnosed? Testicular retraction is diagnosed by the doctor based on a physical examination. The doctor must make sure that it is not cryptorchidism (the condition in which the testicle does not descend into the scrotum, but remains in the groin). How is testicular retraction treated? In most cases, an undescended testicle does not need to be treated. Often it descends into the scrotum on its own, without medical help. Most cases of testicular retraction go away on their own before the boy reaches puberty. A small percentage of cases of testicular retraction can develop into cryptorchidism, which requires surgical treatment. Bibliography: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Retractile testicles Cleveland Clinic. Retractile testicles Weill Cornell Medicine: Department of Urology. Testicular retraction