When do most undescended testicles typically descend without treatment?

Most undescended testicles, also known as cryptorchidism, typically descend on their own by the age of 1 year. During the first few months of life, many infants exhibit testicular positions that may be transiently undescended due to a variety of factors, including muscle tone and temperature. However, by the time a child reaches 6 months, the majority of cases have resolved spontaneously.

By 1 year, approximately 80-90% of undescended testicles will have descended naturally. This is a critical time frame as the risk of complications, such as fertility issues and testicular cancer, increases if the condition persists beyond this age. After the first year, the likelihood of the testicle descending without intervention decreases significantly, making early detection and monitoring essential for timely management.

Thus, asserting that undescended testicles typically descend by 1 year aligns with clinical guidelines and the natural history of the condition, which reinforces the importance of monitoring infants in this context.