Dallas
214-456-2444
Fax: 214-456-2497
Ste F4300
Plano
469-497-2501
Fax: 469-497-2507
Ste P1100
Park Cities
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
Ste 106
South Rockwall
214-867-7400
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Ste 233
Retractile testicles happen when the cremaster muscle contracts and draws the testicles out of the scrotum temporarily.
214-456-2444
Fax: 214-456-2497
Ste F4300
469-497-2501
Fax: 469-497-2507
Ste P1100
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
Ste 106
214-867-7400
Fax: 214-456-2497
Ste 233
Retractile testicles are caused by a normal reflex, and are not the same as undescended testicles (when the testicles are never felt in the scrotum). The testicles are connected to muscles called cremaster muscles that can move them in and out of the scrotum. When the muscles contract and draw the testicles out of the scrotum temporarily, it is called retractile testicles.
It is common for young boys to have retractile testicles, especially during a physical exam, which may trigger a reflex of the muscles that pull the testicles upward. This reflex is called the cremasteric reflex. All males have the cremasteric reflex, however, it is more pronounced in some boys than others. In most cases, retractile testicles will relax into the scrotum permanently during puberty (between the ages of 12 and 16 for boys).
The main symptom of retractile testicles is the appearance of an empty scrotum. However, upon examination, your child’s doctor can confirm if the testicles are simply retracted or undescended.
Retractile testicles are caused by a normal reflex of the cremaster muscle, which can pull the testicles in and out of the scrotum temporarily. The reflex may be triggered due to causes such as: