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Introduction Although the age between the 6th and 12th months of life is considered to be optimal for the surgical treatment of cryptorchidism, a substantial part of the operations is carried out at a later age. Objective To evaluate the incidence of acquired cryptorchidism in boys who were operated upon on completing 3 years of age. Material and methods In the years 2010–2013 at the University Children's Hospital in Bialystok 328 orchidopexies in 318 boys were performed. 61.6% of the procedures were carried out after completion of 3 years of age. Results 19% of the boys who have orchidopexies carried out after 3 years of age had not been qualified for surgical treatment during the first examination because testes could be manipulated into the scrotum. After 1.5 to 11 years (mean 2.8 year) from the first visit, they were subjected to surgical treatment because gonads could no longer be moved to the scrotum. Conclusions Acquired cryptorchidism was documented in 19% of the boys operated after 3 years of age. This phenomenon explains a significant number of orchidopexies performed in older boys.