A retractile testicle moves up and down between the scrotum and the groin (where the lower belly meets the upper leg). A retractile testicle doesn't need treatment. It doesn't hurt, and in most cases the testicle will move into the scrotum by puberty.

Your healthcare provider may choose to follow your child with regular checkups to make sure the retractile testicle moves into the scrotum. Or they may have a pediatric urologist (a doctor who specializes in the urinary system and male reproductive system) check your child to make sure that no treatment is needed.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for:

• When to follow up
• If your child needs to see any specialists 

• Your child feels uncomfortable in the area of the testicle or groin.
• You have any questions about your child's retractile testicle(s).

Your child:

• Has severe pain in the testicle or groin
• Has pain in the testicle or groin along with nausea or vomiting

Why do some children have retractile testicles? A muscle pulls the testicles closer to the body to protect them from getting too cold. When someone has a retractile testicle, this muscle pulls the testicle up too far — all the way into the groin.

Will my child need treatment for a retractile testicle? Your child may need treatment if:

• The testicle doesn't grow normally.
• Your healthcare provider or the urologist thinks the testicle is undescended (meaning it does not go into the scrotum at all).
• The testicle is painful.
• The testicle doesn't stay in the scrotum on its own by the time your child goes through puberty.