Review Question - QID 101289

Cryptorchidism is the unilateral or bilateral failure of testes to descend into the scrotal sac. This condition is associated with decreased sperm count and low levels of inhibin. Inhibin is made in the seminiferous tubules and acts as a negative regulator of FSH.

In sexually mature males, the scrotum is principally important in temperature regulation during spermatogenesis. The seminiferous tubules require a cooler environment than normal body temperature to produce sperm. They can become damaged when chronically exposed to normal body temperature in cryptorchidism. Sperm count and inhibin levels are consequently decreased. This condition is managed surgically with orchidopexy, a surgery that moves undescended testicles into the scrotum and permanently fixes them there.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: FSH levels are increased in sexually mature adults with cryptorchidism because of inhibition of negative feedback from inhibin.
Answer 2-3: LH and testosterone levels are generally normal in patients with unilateral cryptorchidism, as normal body temperature does not compromise the ability of Leydig cells to produce testosterone. In bilateral cryptorchidism testosterone levels can be decreased, though it is spermatogenesis and inhibin (seminiferous tubules) are more sensitive to elevation in temperature and thus more likely to be decreased.
Answer 5: Cryptorchidism does not affect prolactin production.