What is a significant risk factor for cryptorchidism?

Low birth weight is indeed a significant risk factor for cryptorchidism, which is the medical term for undescended testicles. Research has demonstrated a strong correlation between lower birth weight and the incidence of cryptorchidism, likely because low birth weight can be indicative of prematurity or intrauterine growth restriction. These conditions can affect the normal descent of the testicles during fetal development, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy when testicular descent typically occurs.

In many cases, the testicles descend into the scrotum towards the end of gestation. If a baby is born with a low birth weight, it is often born prematurely, which can disrupt the hormonal and physiological processes necessary for proper testicular positioning. Therefore, low birth weight is recognized as a notable risk factor for this condition, and clinical guidelines often consider it when assessing a newborn's risk for cryptorchidism.