Monorchism

Having only one testicle within the scrotum From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Monorchism (also monorchidism) is the state of having only one testicle within the scrotum.

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Terminology

An individual having monorchism can be referred to as monorchid.

Causes

This can be due to:

  • One testicle not descending into the scrotum during normal embryonic or fetal development (3–4% of 'normal' live births), also known as undescended testis or cryptorchidism. In this case the testis is within the abdominal cavity, somewhere along the normal route of descent – most commonly, within the inguinal canal. Such a testis has an increased risk of malignancy.
  • One testicle may disappear during development (the so-called vanishing testis) due to some intrauterine insult. This is thought to be most likely vascular, such as testicular torsion.
  • One testicle may have been surgically removed through orchiectomy.
  • One testicle may be injured.

Notable cases

Due to testicular cancer

Due to injury

Due to cryptorchidism

  • Mao Zedong, founder of the People's Republic of China.[18]
  • Dara Ó Briain, Irish comedian related that he has a single testicle in a standup routine.

Unknown

Monorchism in nonhuman animals

Although extremely rare, monorchism has been observed to be characteristic of some animal species, notably in beetles.[20]

See also

References

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