Yes, a baby boy can indeed be born with one testicle. This condition, where one testicle is entirely absent, is specifically referred to as a "vanishing testicle."
Understanding the Vanishing Testicle
When a testicle is completely absent—meaning it is found neither in the scrotum nor in the abdomen—it is termed a vanishing testicle. This condition is one of the reasons why a baby boy might be born with only one visible or palpable testicle. Essentially, one testicle developed and then disappeared or regressed during fetal development, resulting in its complete absence by birth.
Hormonal and Fertility Considerations
A common concern when a baby is born with a single testicle relates to future health, particularly hormonal balance and fertility. However, according to medical information, having a single testicle typically causes no hormonal or fertility problems. The remaining testicle is usually capable of producing sufficient hormones and sperm to support normal development and future reproductive function.
This means that while the condition requires medical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possibilities (like an undescended testicle that simply hasn't dropped), the long-term outlook for a boy born with a vanishing testicle is generally positive concerning these vital functions.
