What happens if I lose both balls to cancer?
Well, you may have an awkward feeling of emptiness in your underwear or between your thighs, you may have concerns about how you look to a sexual partner or in a locker room, or wonder how this will affect your sex life. Just remember that you are not alone and that your doctor and health care team will help you get through this.
Medically reviewed by Urologic Oncologist Dr. Robert J. Hamilton on 02/24/2022
By way of information, some men who have a (or both) testicle removed opt for a prosthetic, or artificial, testicle. Your doctor can place one in your scrotum so you’ll look and feel more like you did before. The testicular implant consists of a ball-shaped cylinder which is filled with a saline solution, meaning salt water. Of note, silicone rubber testicular implants that contain silicone gel are no longer available in Canada, in case you, your partner, your parents or friends wonder or are worried about side effects of a silicone gel filled testicular prosthesis’ rupture…
A prosthesis is used only to improve appearance and calm psychological fears. It doesn’t have any of the functions of a real testicle. Talk it over with your doctor and see how you both feel about another surgery. In the end, you might not want artificial testes and that is OK, for it’s a personal decision.
This being said, let’s have another important discussion with regards to your cancer and if both testicule are removed.
Esthetic aside, let’s have a man’s talk about testosterone
Did you know that testosterone is the most important male sex hormone? Produced mostly by your testicles (about 90%), it is needed to maintain normal sexual and reproductive function. It contributes to physical changes during puberty such as:
deep voice
muscle tone
bone strength
hair pattern (and balding)
sex drive
achieving and maintaining erections
general sense of male well-being
If both of your testicles have to be removed, your testosterone level will fall to a very low level.
With very low testosterone, you may notice, a fall in sex drive (loss of libido) and difficulty in maintaining erections strong enough for masturbation or sexual intercourse. You also could lose muscle mass and have hot flashes (lots of sweating during the day or at night) and you may tire out more easily.
Your doctor can suggest ways to work through these problems. Aside from “banking” some of your sperm if you want children before treatment, testosterone supplements, most often given through injections, skin patches or a gel, can boost levels of that hormone.
How do I know if the testosterone replacement therapy is working?
When starting your treatment, your doctor will, on a regular basis, keep an eye on your testosterone levels to ensure a normal level is achieved.
Most people start to feel better within a few weeks of treatment, but it may take at least 3 months to obtain a steady level in the bloodstream and to feel the full effects of treatment. You may also find that it takes a little while to find the best treatment for you and you may need to try different types of replacement therapy at different dosages. It takes a bit of patience and resilience here. Don’t give up!
If testosterone replacement therapy does improve your symptoms then it can be continued indefinitely. Like all medications, this treatment may cause some side effects; it will be important to read the information supplied with your medication and keep any unusual symptoms or side effects in check.
Remember: Your appointments provide an opportunity for you to talk to your doctor and report any new symptoms that are of concern. Do not hesitate to ask your healthcare team for advice.
Take the necessary time to visit each of our pages on this website to familiarize yourself with the disease. Do you have questions or concerns? Above all, do not hesitate. Contact us via Messenger on our Facebook page. It’s simple, free and confidential.
Video to review
Get To Know Your Balls
Let’s Talk Balls
Pages of our site that might interest you
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Treatment
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Each month, we publish a blog article. Here are a few for you.
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Can I make babies naturally?
Going back to a so-called normal life
Sources and References
Testicular Cancer Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada-Fertility
UHN: A Courageous Journey...
Written by Testicular Cancer Canada. © All rights reserved - 2022