The descent of the testis

Abstract

In a series of 3,312 full-term boys, 3,222 (97.3 %) had fully descended testes at birth. The figure for 300 premature babies (5 lb. 8 oz. (2,500 g.) or less at birth) was 237 (79.0 %). Descent of the testis may be completed during the first 6 weeks of life, and up to 3 months in a premature infant. If the testis fails to reach the bottom of the scrotum in these stated times it appears to remain permanently higher than its fellow. An analysis is given of 100 examples of undescended testis followed up from birth for several years. There are inadequate grounds for accepting the hypothesis that the testis can truly descend at any time during boyhood and particularly at puberty.