Monorchism

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Monorchism is the state of having only one testicle within the scrotum. This can be due to:

• One testicle not descending into the scrotum during normal embryonic or fetal development (3–4% of 'normal' live births), also known as: undescended testis or cryptorchidism. In this case the testis is within the abdominal cavity, somewhere along the normal route of descent — most commonly, within the inguinal canal. Such a testis has an increased risk of malignancy.

• One testicle may disappear during development (the so called vanishing testis) due to some intrauterine insult. This is thought most likely vascular, such as testicular torsion.

• One testicle being surgically removed through Orchidectomy

It has been claimed that both Hitler and Napoleon were afflicted by such a lack of symmetry, and suggested that this may have played a role in their particular psychological makeup. See Hitler Has Only Got One Ball.

Former Australian politician Mark Latham has monorchism, as one testicle was removed to treat testicular cancer[1]. American bicyclist Lance Armstrong has the same sitution. As does Canadian comedian/actor Tom Green.

An individual having monorchism can be referred to as monorchid.