Baby's testicles are one big and one small

The baby's testicles being one large and one small may be a normal physiological phenomenon, or it may be related to diseases such as hydrocele, cryptorchidism, testicular torsion or tumors. It is recommended that parents observe whether there are symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, etc., and seek medical attention promptly.

1. Physiological differences

Differences in the rate of development of the testicles on both sides of the baby may result in a temporary size difference, which is usually small and without other abnormalities. Parents can observe regularly and do not need to intervene if the difference gradually narrows. Pay attention to keeping the perineum clean and dry every day and avoid excessive squeezing.

2. Hydrocele

Failure of the sheath to close causes fluid to accumulate and form a hydrocele, which is a painless enlargement of the scrotum. It may be related to factors such as abnormal fetal development and increased abdominal pressure. Ultrasound examination can confirm the diagnosis. Some children can recover spontaneously before the age of 2 years old. Severe cases require tunica inversion surgery.

3. Cryptorchidism

The testicles do not descend into the scrotum but remain in the groin or abdominal cavity, showing unilateral scrotal emptiness. It may be related to hormonal abnormalities and anatomical structural disorders. It needs to be treated by orchiopexy before 6-12 months of age. Delayed treatment may affect fertility function.

4. Testicular torsion

Rotation of the spermatic cord interrupts the blood supply to the testicles, which manifests as sudden, severe pain, swelling, and abnormal positioning. It is an emergency and requires surgical reduction within 6 hours. Delay may lead to testicular necrosis. The neonatal period and adolescence are the stages of high incidence, and the cause is related to the excessive mesentery of the testicles.

5. Testicular tumors

It is rare in infants and young children but requires vigilance. The testicles are hard and grow rapidly. Yolk sac tumors and teratomas are common, and alpha-fetoprotein detection and imaging can assist in diagnosis. Surgical resection and chemotherapy are required, and early treatment has a better prognosis.

Parents should clean the baby's perineum every day and wear loose cotton diapers to avoid local friction. Gently check testicle morphology while bathing and note changes in size. If you find that your scrotum is red or hot or your baby is crying and refuses to be touched, you should seek immediate medical attention from a pediatric surgery or urology department. Avoid applying heat or massage by yourself, and it is forbidden to use folk remedies. Actively report testicular development to the doctor during regular child health examinations. If asymmetry persists after 6 months of age, ultrasound examination is required.