Adult cryptorchids: Sexual development and activity

Abstract

Plasma testosterone in 72 unilateral and 83 bilateral cryptorchids, 11–45 years of age, revealed that, from 13 years on, values of male hormone were lower than in the control group of 69 normal boys and 85 fertile and potent men. Analysis of heterosexual development by means of the HTDM questionnaire in 49 unilateral and 57 bilateral cryptorchids, aged 21–40 years, who were examined for sterility, revealed only slight social developmental retardation compared to 184 normospermic men from sterile marriages. On the other hand, examination of sexual activity by means of the SAM questionnaire in the same three groups revealed that in cryptorchids the first ejaculation is slightly later and that the frequency of nocturnal emissions in pubescence is lower. In adulthood the patients with cryptorchidism exhibit fewer signs of high sexual activity such as repeated coitus on the same day or a high frequency of sexual intercourse. Also, there is an earlier appearance of prolonged periods of sexual abstinence.