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The recommended age at which to carry out orchiopexy for cryptorchidism has shifted from 4 to 6 years old for cosmetic reasons, to less than 2 years old and less than 1.5 years old according to the guidelines in Japan and AUA/EAU, respectively, because the purpose of orchiopexy has changed to become focused on the preservation of spermatogenesis. Epidemiological data have also supported these revised ages because spontaneous testicular descent is not expected beyond 6 months after birth. Furthermore, histological studies using testicular biopsy specimens at orchiopexy have shown a decreased number of germ cells, mainly spermatogonia, after 2 years of age, in the undescended testes. On the other hand, no distinct conclusion with regard to future paternity has been fully investigated. Should the testes during the infantile period be cooled when active DNA synthesis in the germ cell is not present ? Based on the findings that testicular temperature in cryptorchid patients is higher than in those without cryptorchidism and that the temperature is decreased after orchiopexy following the preferable development of the testis, infantile testes should be cooled and the age at orchiopexy as described in the current guidelines is reasonable. Further investigations regarding individualized management for cryptorchidism are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]