My husband noticed last night & mentioned to me that he thinks our 5 year old may only have one testicle. Our son was complaining a little yesterday that his groin area hurt, (we've been using means of exercise, i.e. push ups, sit ups, running up & down the stairs, swimming, etc.., to help him release some of his energy), but he just mentioned it yesterday. We're also trying to teach him to swim w/o his lifejacket, so I think it could've been a ploy to stop the lesson as well. The last physical he had, about 2 years ago, the doctor said all was fine. Can this change over time?
We're not sure if we should take him to the doctor, or not worry about it. As most kiddos his age, he tends to make excuses when he doesn't want to do something, but we certainly don't want to blow it off if it could be something more serious...
my son had an undescended testicle - diagnosed at birth. I dont believe this is a painful condition.
at 5 years old i'd probably make a visit to the dr instead of checking myself.. piece of mind and a copay is much better than constant worry!
I would definitely take him in for a physical- 2 years is a long time to go between check-ups at this age. We do wellness check ups every year as their bodies are changing so much and it is just a good idea to have everything checked every year.
There is also a thing where their testicals can get twisted. Not sure at what age that can happen, but I know my husband had it happen in his childhood.
Yes, to your question of change. His tesitical can be undecended now. This can lead to futher problems and he needs to be checked out. We went to a Ped.Surgeon with my son. Besides the undecended testical...he had a hernia. It wasn't painful. The other possibility of twisted testicals is very painful...I think you would know if that was the case.
Good luck to you and your son.
The pediatrician should have figured out if that was a problem long, long ago, so I would highly doubt that was the case. Your son also could easily have injured himself in that area, pulling a groin muscle or perhaps being inadvertently kicked in that area while playing. I would take him to the pedi and have him checked either way - they can look for a bruise or you or your husband can, as long as you explain what you're doing of course, since you would be crossing into his personal space by doing so.
I personally don't think it's normal for kids this age to "make excuses" if they don't want to do something - that MIGHT come when they're teens. But, at this age, that response may mean that you are pushing too much and not necessarily considering what he might want to do. Does he have any activities that he particularly enjoys? I have two boys and they go through phases where they are enthralled with activity x. For example, right now it's frisbee. Two weeks ago it was whiffle ball. And, at age 5 in particular, they often like to do the same thing and a routine for activity can be wonderful - i.e., after dinner etc. You might be doing that (can't tell from your post), but letting him lead the activity can be very, very helpful . To get to my point, it might just be that he does not enjoy swimming and if he was not included in making the decision to learn to swim without the lifejacket, that may be the root problem and perhaps you need to take a few steps back and let him know that you'll try that when he does feel ready. It is a very delicate balance between encouraging our kids to try new things and forcing them. I have learned over time that your child's reaction is the most important barometer.
