Print OverviewA retractile testicle is a testicle that may move back and forth between the scrotum and the groin. When the retractile testicle is residing in the groin, it might be easily guided by hand into its proper position in the scrotum — the bag of skin hanging behind the penis — during a physical exam. Upon release, the testicle will remain in the proper position at least temporarily. For most boys, the problem of a retractile testicle goes away sometime before or during puberty. The testicle moves to its correct location in the scrotum and stays there permanently. Sometimes the retractile testicle remains in the groin and is no longer movable. When this happens, the condition is called an ascending testicle or an acquired undescended testicle.Products & ServicesBook: Man Overboard!Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic SymptomsTesticles form in the abdomen during fetal development. During the final months of development, the testicles gradually descend into the scrotum. If this descent isn't completed at birth, the testicle usually descends within a few months. If your son has a retractile testicle, the testicle originally descended as it should, but doesn't remain in place. Signs and symptoms of a retractile testicle include: The testicle may be moved by hand from the groin into the scrotum and won't immediately retreat to the groin. The testicle might spontaneously appear in the scrotum and remain there for a time. The testicle might spontaneously disappear again for a time. Retractile testicle is different from undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). An undescended testicle is one that never entered the scrotum. When to see a doctorDuring regular well-baby checkups and annual childhood checkups, your son's doctor will examine your son's testicles to determine if they're descended and appropriately developed. If you believe that your son has a retractile or ascending testicle — or have other concerns about the development of his testicles — see his doctor. He or she will tell you how often to schedule checkups to monitor changes in the condition. Request an appointment CausesAn overactive muscle causes a testicle to become a retractile testicle. The cremaster muscle is a thin pouch-like muscle in which a testicle rests. When the cremaster muscle contracts, it pulls the testicle up toward the body. The cremaster reflex can be stimulated by rubbing a nerve on the inner thigh and by emotion, such as fear and laughter. The cremaster is also activated by a cold environment. If the cremaster reflex is strong enough, it can result in a retractile testicle, pulling the testicle out of the scrotum and up into the groin. ComplicationsRetractile testicles are generally not associated with complications, aside from a greater risk of the testicle becoming an ascending testicle. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Dec. 01, 2022 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Kolon TF, et al. Evaluation and treatment of cryptorchidism: AUA guideline. Journal of Urology. 2014;192:337. Kliegman RM, et al., eds. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal content. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 28, 2018. Cooper CS, et al. Undescended testes (cryptorchidism) in children: Clinical features and evaluation. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 28, 2018. Cooper CS, et al. Undescended testes (cryptorchidism) in children: Management. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 28, 2018. Gearhart JP, et al., eds. Cryptorchidism. In: Pediatric Urology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 28, 2018. Undescended testes and retractile testes. Merck Manual Consumer Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/children-s-health-issues/birth-defects-of-the-urinary-tract-and-genitals/undescended-testes-and-retractile-testes. Accessed Nov. 29, 2018. Standring S, et al., eds. Anterior abdominal wall. In: Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st ed. New York, N.Y.: Elsevier Limited; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 29, 2018. Kurz D, et al. Current management of undescended testes. Current Treatment Options in Pediatrics. 2016;2:43. Related Products & Services Book: Man Overboard! Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Retractile testicleSymptoms & causesDiagnosis & treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – Future Care - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Future CareMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20377182 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Retractile testicle