Anorchia

Definition

Definition of Anorchia
Anorchia is a medical condition where both testes are absent at birth. Within a few weeks of fertilization, the embryo develops rudimentary sex organs, which are crucial to the development of the reproductive system. In the human male, if these fail to develop within eight weeks, the baby will have female genitalia. If the testes are lost between eight and 10 weeks, the baby will have ambiguous genitalia when it is born. However, if the testes are lost after 14 weeks, the baby will have a normal male reproductive system, other than the absence of testes.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Anorchia

1. Normal outside genitals before puberty
2. Failure to start puberty at the correct time and lack of secondary sex characteristics (penis and pubic hair growth, deepening of the voice, and increase in muscle mass)

Causes

Causes of Anorchia
In the first several weeks after the egg is fertilized, the embryo develops early sex organs. In the male, if the early testes fail to develop before 8 weeks into the pregnancy, the baby will have female genitals.

If the testes are lost between 8 and 10 weeks, the baby will be born with ambiguous genitalia. This means the child will have parts of both male and female genitals.

However, if the testes are lost after the time when the male genitals differentiate (between 12 and 14 weeks), the baby will have normal male genitals (penis and scrotum), but no testes. This is known as congenital anorchia, or the "vanishing testes syndrome."

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Anorchia
Tests include:

1. Anti-Mullerian hormone levels
2. Bone density
3. FSH and LH levels
4. Surgery to look for male reproductive tissue
5. Testosterone levels (low)
6. Ultrasound or MRI
7. X,Y karyotype

Treatment

Treatment of Anorchia
Treatment includes androgen (male hormone) supplementation, testicular prosthetic implantation, and psychological support.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Anorchia
The outlook is good with treatment.

Prevention

Prevention of Anorchia
Consult with your doctor.