Cryptorchidism is a medical condition where one or both of a male's testes fail to descend into the scrotum before birth. Normally, the testes develop in the abdomen and move down into the scrotum during the last months of pregnancy. This condition can occur in premature infants and may resolve on its own, but if it persists, treatment is often necessary. If left untreated, cryptorchidism can lead to complications such as infertility and an increased risk of testicular cancer. Doctors may recommend surgery, known as orchidopexy, to reposition the undescended testis into the scrotum, usually performed in early childhood.