Orchiopexy for cryptorchidism is recommended at what age or range?

Orchiopexy for cryptorchidism is recommended at what age or range?

• A. At birth
• B. As early as 6 months, ideally before 1 year
• C. After 3 years
• D. Not recommended

Answer: (B)

Timing matters because fixing an undescended testis early helps preserve germ cell development and fertility potential while reducing long-term risks. Testes often descend spontaneously by about 6 months; if descent hasn’t occurred by that age, repairing it between 6 months and 12 months—ideally before 1 year—offers the best fertility outcomes and lowers future cancer risk. Delaying repair beyond the first few years worsens fertility potential and doesn’t meaningfully reduce cancer risk. That’s why the recommended approach is orchiopexy as early as 6 months, ideally before 1 year.

Timing matters because fixing an undescended testis early helps preserve germ cell development and fertility potential while reducing long-term risks. Testes often descend spontaneously by about 6 months; if descent hasn’t occurred by that age, repairing it between 6 months and 12 months—ideally before 1 year—offers the best fertility outcomes and lowers future cancer risk. Delaying repair beyond the first few years worsens fertility potential and doesn’t meaningfully reduce cancer risk. That’s why the recommended approach is orchiopexy as early as 6 months, ideally before 1 year.