The incidence of cryptorchidism among boys in some provinces in Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both testes are not fully descended to the bottom of the scrotum. It may be an important cause for male infertility. Numerous epidemiological studies indicate that the incidence has increased in many countries. The data about its incidence in Indonesia is still incomplete. Aims: The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of cryptorchidism in some provinces in Indonesia. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicentre descriptive study, we collected data from hospital based registry data that reported by pediatric endocrinologists from North Sumatera, North Sulawesi, Jakarta, and Bali provinces, Indonesia, from 2006 till 2012. Results: From the registry data there are 274 patients that were diagnosed with cryptorchidism. It was 29.56% for boys under 6 months, 31.39% for those between 6 months and one year, and increased significantly in older boys (39.05%). Overall 43.07% were diagnosed with bilateral cryptorchidism, 29.56% with left unilateral and 27.37% with right unilateral cryptorchidism. Conclusion: Our data showed a relatively higher prevalence of cryptorchidism in children older than 2 years of age, which may be caused by late diagnosis. We need to increase the awareness of this condition among public population and medical providers.