Cryptorchidism and puberty.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Urology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Cryptorchidism, the failure of testicular descent, is a common congenital anomaly in male newborns.
• It is associated with increased risks of infertility and testicular germ cell tumors.
• Pubertal development data in cryptorchidism, especially acquired forms, remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review available data on pubertal development in boys with a history of non-syndromic cryptorchidism (congenital and acquired).
• To focus on puberty timing, physical changes, testicular growth, and endocrine development.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on pubertal progression in boys with cryptorchidism.
• Analysis of data concerning the timing of puberty, physical maturation, testicular size, and hormonal profiles.

Main Results:

• The onset of puberty in boys with congenital cryptorchidism generally matches that of non-cryptorchid boys.
• Impaired hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function, reduced Sertoli cells, and/or germ cells are observed, especially in bilateral cryptorchidism treated with orchiopexy.
• Leydig cell function appears generally unaffected by a history of cryptorchidism.

Conclusions:

• Congenital cryptorchidism does not alter pubertal timing but can be associated with specific testicular endocrine and cellular impairments.
• Acquired cryptorchidism lacks sufficient data regarding pubertal development, necessitating further research.
• Long-term monitoring for reproductive health and oncological surveillance is crucial for individuals with a history of cryptorchidism.