Abstract
Answer A. Removing one testicle does not affect sex drive or sexual performance
Men are generally diagnosed with testicular cancer in their early years when they are establishing themselves in employment, getting married and thinking about fathering children. Young men feel less attractive because of the disease. Research into the use of testicular prostheses suggests that orchidectomy without the use of implants has significant effects on body image, sexuality and masculinity, thereby reinforcing the importance of implants post-orchidectomy. Men should be reassured that removing one testicle does not affect fertility, sex drive or sexual performance. Sufficient spermatazoa are made by one functioning testis to maintain normal fertility. It is vital to discuss future fertility and offer referral to the local fertility clinic for sperm banking. Patients who have both testicles removed will lose their endogenous testosterone production. Testosterone is given in the form of gel, injection or patch. The tablet form of testosterone is not absorbed well so testosterone supplementation is not usually prescribed in this form.
InnovAiT article: Testicular cancer and self-examination. DOI: