15th April 2024

Aetiology

Cryptorchidism can occur as a result of anatomical, hormonal or genetic abnormalities. However, most patients have no identifiable cause for their presentation.

Cryptorchidism can be caused by anatomical abnormalities and hormonal abnormalities, including deficiency of androgens (testosterone), GnRH deficiency, LH/FSH deficiency or insensitivity of the GnRH/LH/testosterone receptors. Mutations in the genes for the androgen receptor, the gene for the 5a-reductase or CAG repeat length may be associated with cryptorchidism.