No testicals

Dear Ask The Doctor: My son in 17month and i have noticed he has no testicals. what could this be?

Dear Kara: Most likely your son does have testicles that have not yet descended. This means that they are in the lower abdomen.As part of normal development the testicles are formed in the lower abdomen while the baby grow within the woman and usually descend to their usual position a few weeks before birth.It is is not uncommon for them not descend. However, he will need a minor operation to bring the testicle down into the crotum and secure them there. He should have this operation soon as there is risk of infertility.