Testicular cancer is most common in men aged 15 to 49. While this form of cancer has a high survival rate, understanding its progression and potential spread is vital for effective treatment. In this blog we will highlight where testicular cancer can spread, the likelihood of this happening, the impact the stage of cancer has, and the treatment options available.

Testicular cancer overview

Testicular cancer accounts for around 1% of all male cancers in the UK, with approximately 2,400 cases diagnosed each year. The good news is that survival rates are high. Around 98% of men diagnosed with testicular cancer live at least 10 years post-diagnosis. Of course, survival rate is highly impacted by how early you detect the signs and symptoms, and the cancer’s responsiveness to treatment.

In some cases, testicular cancer can spread (or metastasize) to other parts of the body. Keep reading to understand where it can spread and the stages involved.

Chances of testicular cancer spreading

If testicular cancer spreads, it usually moves first to the lymph nodes located in the abdomen, near the kidneys. This is because the testicles are connected to the body’s lymphatic system, which can carry cancerous cells from the original tumour to other parts of the body.

In some cases, testicular cancer may also spread to other lymph nodes, the lungs, liver, bones, or even the brain.

The chances of testicular cancer spreading largely depends on the stage of cancer at diagnosis.

Stage 1 – Localised cancer

Cancer is limited to the testicle and hasn’t spread. At this stage, around 99% of patients are successfully treated and remain cancer-free after 5 years. Sometimes, only surgery is required to remove the tumour, and no further treatment is required.

Stage 2 – Regional spread

Cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Treatment at this stage is still highly effective, with over 95% of patients achieving long-term remission. In some cases, the affected lymph nodes can be removed with a procedure known as retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND).

Stage 3 – Distant spread

Cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes to other tissues or organs in the body. For example, your lungs or liver. This is the most advanced stage, but survival rates are still quite high. Around 70-80% of patients survive for at least 5 years post-treatment.

Read more information on the types and stages of testicular cancer.

Where testicular cancer can spread

• Lymph Nodes: Testicular cancer typically spreads to the lymph nodes around the abdomen area first.
• Lungs: If cancer has spread to the lungs you may experience symptoms such as persistent coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
• Liver: The liver may also be affected, especially in advanced cases of metastatic testicular cancer.
• Bones: This is quite rare, but testicular cancer can spread to the bones.
• Brain: Again, this is incredibly rare but if it does spread here you may experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or changes in vision or speech.

Treatment options for testicular cancer

• Surgery: Most patients will undergo an orchidectomy or orchiectomy. These are essentially the same thing – a procedure to remove the affected testicle. It is not possible to remove just the tumour, so the whole testicle must be removed. If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, further surgery may be needed to remove those as well.
• Chemotherapy: This is typically used for stage 2 and stage 3 cancer. This treatment uses drugs such as bleomycin, etoposide, or cisplatin to kill cancer cells.
• Radiotherapy: This option is typically reserved for early-stage cancer. For example, it is often used for seminomas, one of the two types of testicular cancer. A seminoma tumour translates as ‘semen tumour’ and they tend to spread slowly. Non-seminoma tumours are found in younger men and they tend to grow more quickly in comparison.
• High-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant: For cases of advanced cancer that has spread beyond the abdomen or lungs, high-dose chemotherapy may be required. This can also be followed up by a stem cell transplant.

Chances of survival and the importance of early detection

Around 98% of men with testicular cancer in the UK survive for at least 10 years or more. Survival rates for metastatic testicular cancer are around 70-80%, depending on the extent of the spread and your overall health. So as you can see, the prognosis for testicular cancer remains optimistic, even when it spreads. Early detection is absolutely vital though, as well as regularly checking your nuts!

An ultrasound scan is a valuable tool for diagnosing and guiding treatment for various medical conditions. It is most commonly recognised as a method for monitoring pregnancy in women. However, it can also be used to check men’s testicles for any abnormalities. This is essential because it’s non-invasive and highly accurate in identifying potential issues related to testicular cancer.

The scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. This allows doctors to see your organs, tissues, and blood flow without the use of radiation. A small device called a transducer is placed on the skin, which sends sound waves into the body. These waves bounce off internal structures, and the echoes are captured to create a real time image on a monitor. The procedure is painless, safe, and non-invasive.

When do you have an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan is commonly used to check for testicular cancer when a lump or swelling is found in the testicle. This can help distinguish between cysts, benign (non-cancerous) lumps, or solid masses that may indicate cancer. If you notice any other unusual changes, like pain or discomfort in the testicle, your doctor may also recommend an ultrasound to assess the cause.

You will usually have a blood test, known as a tumour marker test, beforehand. This can be done in tandem with an ultrasound scan, or afterwards depending on the results of the blood test.

Find out more on what to expect from blood tests.

What is an ultrasound scan looking for?

An ultrasound scan provides detailed images of the testicles, allowing doctors to see the size, shape, and nature of any abnormalities. The scan is essentially checking for anything that looks out of the ordinary. Gel is applied to the skin of your scrotum, which helps the ultrasound waves pass through. A device called a transducer is then moved slowly over the area being examined.

This is a quick, painless and relatively simple procedure that should be done within a matter of 10-15 minutes.

Where do you have an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan is typically conducted by a trained sonographer, which is a healthcare professional trained in using ultrasound equipment. It can also be performed by a urologist – a medical doctor specialising in conditions that affect the urinary tract in men, women and children.

Ultrasound scans are typically performed in hospitals, diagnostic centres, or specialised clinics. Your GP will usually refer or arrange this for you.

You can also have an ultrasound scan in:

• your GP surgery
• a private clinic
• a maternity unit

What happens next?

An ultrasound scan is not enough to confirm you have testicular cancer, even if a lump or abnormality is found. If the ultrasound suggests that a lump may be cancerous, further tests, such as an MRI scan or a biopsy, may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. You will know the results and whether or not you need to be seen further within a matter of days/weeks.

You can find more information on MRI scans in our next blog post!

If you’ve been diagnosed with testicular cancer, the likelihood is by this point you’ve had various different scans and tests, and you’ve been seen by multiple medical departments. After you’ve been given the news (usually by a urologist) and all of the scans are over, the hospital automatic doors open and you walk back outside to your life. Only this time, with cancer.

Telling the people you know and love is one of the next challenges you’ll face in your journey to recovery. How do you tell them? What do you tell them? At this point, your head may be swimming and you feel as though you don’t know enough yourself to relay to anybody else coherently.

This is normal. No one expects to ever say the words, “I have cancer.” Testicular cancer is most common in men in their late 20s and early 30s. You especially don’t expect to be saying those words at such a young age.

You may feel overwhelmed, shocked and scared. This is all normal too. But it is extremely important and helpful that you tell your friends and family as soon as you are able to.

Reasons to tell your friends and family

• Your loved ones and family members care about you.
• They just want to know that you will be okay.
• It is cathartic to talk about it and will help you maintain a positive outlook.
• Making others feel comfortable and optimistic about your recovery will rub off on you.
• Talking to others normalises the subject and relieves any stigmas around it.
• Even if you break down in tears, do it, you may need it!
• It becomes easier to talk about it the more you talk about it.

The hard part about telling the people you love

One of the most difficult parts about telling people is that you find yourself repeating yourself quite a lot. People want to know the finer details so you end up repeating the words ‘I have cancer’ a lot – as well as the details of the tumour, your diagnosis, and your operation.

Hearing yourself say it over and over can be strange and often upsetting, but it gets easier and easier as a result. Telling yourself is as important as telling other people. Bottling it all up can otherwise affect your mental health further down the line. Being comfortable saying it will make it a lot easier to talk about with other people, and vice versa.

Choosing which method to tell people can often be difficult too. Do you call them? Visit them? Message them? This will ultimately depend on your personal preference and how you usually interact with your friends and family. There is no ‘right way’ to do this. Whichever way you choose, once you tell a few people, they will inform others and people may then start to contact you instead.

Share whatever you are comfortable with

Despite the advice so far, remember that first and foremost you do not have to tell anyone if you do not want to. This blog recommends that you do with reasons why, but it is always up to you. You decide who to share with and how much you share.

However, it is important that you do tell your employer if you are working or teachers if you are in education. They should be able to grant medical leave or anything else you may need to assist your employment or course during your treatment and recovery. They are also obliged to keep the information you share confidential.

If someone talks or wants to know about something that’s off limit for you, you can politely decline to talk or simply redirect the conversation. This is your journey so it’s up to you how you wish to talk about it and deal with it.

Don’t hide or be embarrassed about how you feel

No one is expecting you to put a brave face on and it is totally fine and normal to be scared – or even angry! Whilst it’s important to not let these emotions take over you to an extent that you affect others, it is vital that you are able to express them. There isn’t a ‘right’ way to feel when you’ve been diagnosed with testicular cancer. Don’t shut people out but set boundaries that are right for you.

Get support from others who’ve had testicular cancer

Don’t let your mental health or your emotional wellbeing take a backseat when going through testicular cancer treatment. Take advantage of the support around you, whether this is your friends and family, or seeking professional help.

A lot of men find it helpful to talk with a therapist while going through or recovering from testicular cancer. Here at Baggy Trousers UK we have a number of members that have experienced testicular cancer, and they will be more than happy to talk to you.

For more information contact us using our contact form, or get hold of us on Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter).

Welcome to the first edition of our new blog series, the Caregiver Chronicles. In this series we will highlight the different healthcare professionals you are likely to meet along the journey of being diagnosed with and treated for testicular cancer.

We’ll discuss what to expect, what each healthcare professional will do, what they are looking for, and what they may advise next. Hopefully, this may ease any fears, answer any questions, and prepare you mentally for each appointment if you feel you have symptoms or are going through a diagnosis currently.

Typically, the journey will start with signs or symptoms. If you have these, it’s vitally important that you visit your GP to have them checked. Therefore, your doctor is the first caregiver you will come across.

In this blog we will discuss the GP’s role in a cancer diagnosis.

Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer

First and foremost, before the doctor can help you, you must be able to help yourself. What we mean by that is, you have to check yourself regularly! It’s really important that you check your nuts often, so that if you do have signs or symptoms of testicular cancer, you notice them early. The earlier you notice the signs, the more likely it is you will have a full recovery.

Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:

• testicles that become enlarged or change shape in any way
• a dull ache or pain in the abdomen, groin or scrotum
• a heavy feeling in the scrotum
• a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• back pain

If you have any of these symptoms and they persist, please get checked out!

Risk factors and causes

The exact causes of testicular cancer are still unknown. However, there are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing it (based on statistics from previous patients).

Caucasian men and taller men are at higher risk, so too are identical twins. If any men in your family have had testicular cancer in the past, this can also increase your risk. If you are born with an undescended testicle you are more likely to experience testicular cancer too.

What will the GP look for?

As with any other appointment, your GP will firstly look at the symptoms you show or speak about. This will inevitably involve dropping your trousers so the doctor can have a closer look at your testicles. Don’t be shy or embarrassed though, they’ve seen it all before!

They will examine any lumps or bumps you have identified and talk to you about them. If they feel the lump cannot be explained (i.e. by something simple like a cist or build up of fat) then they will arrange for you to have a blood test. They may also arrange for you to have an ultrasound scan at the same time, or you may have one after depending on the results of your blood test.

What is the blood test looking for?

This is called a tumour marker test. If you have a cancerous tumour, you are likely to have tumour markers in your blood. These are usually proteins also known as biomarkers or molecular markers. They can also be found in urine and body tissues.

These substances exist in your blood and aren’t always a sign that you have cancer. However, if the levels are higher than usual, it could be a sign that you have testicular cancer. The blood test measures the levels of these markers in your blood. This will usually be conducted at your same GP surgery or a walk in clinic. A doctor, a nurse or a phlebotomist will conduct the test.

See more information on what to expect from a blood test.

What is an ultrasound scan looking for?

An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create an image of an area of the inside of your body, similar to a CT scan but not as detailed. They are used to monitor unborn babies and diagnose conditions, among other things.

The scan will investigate your lump (or other signs and symptoms you have) to see if any further tests or treatment is required. You may be able to do this at your GP surgery, but the likelihood is you will be sent to a clinic or a hospital to conduct the scan.

What happens next?

The results from your blood tests can be expected within a week, perhaps quicker, depending on the severity of your symptoms. You should wait no longer than 2 weeks for results from the blood test and/or ultrasound scan.

Your GP will let you know when your results are ready and book an appointment with you to discuss them. If you do show signs of raised tumour markers and/or your ultrasound scan shows signs of cancer, you will be sent to meet a urologist. You can find more information on that in the next edition of this series!

Quick reminder on how to check your nuts

1. Take a warm shower or bath so your skin is relaxed.
2. Examine one testicle at a time by taking the testicle between your thumb and first two fingers and roll with consistent gentle pressure.
3. Feel for any lumps or changes in shape, size or consistency.
4. Make sure to also check the epididymis towards the back of the testicle.
5. If you notice a change or you feel a lump, don’t panic, but do get checked out.

Most lumps are not cancerous, but if you do notice anything unusual or anything concerning you should visit your GP as soon as you can.

Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in young men, with the vast majority being diagnosed in their 20s or 30s. Fortunately, it is also one of the most treatable types of cancer, with a high survival rate (around 95%) if symptoms are noticed and investigated early.

There are different types of testicular cancer, and they can all be at various different stages. Type refers to the tumour itself, whereas the stage refers to the degree of which a cancer has spread from its site of origin.

Types of testicular cancer

The two main types of testicular cancer are called germ cell tumours and stromal tumours. Treatment can vary depending on what type of tumour you have. Germ cell tumours account for around 95% of all testicular cancer cases. Stromal tumours are much less common in adults, but more commonly found in minors.

Germ cell tumours

Germ cells are the cells that create sperm. Germ cell tumours are either seminomas or non-seminomas. However, it is possible for germ cell tumours to have both seminoma and non-seminoma cells.

A seminoma tumour translates as ‘semen tumour.’ These tend to spread slowly and can be treated with surgery, and chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Classic seminomas are usually found in younger males (from 20s to 50s), whereas spermatocytic seminomas are much rarer and are usually found in older men.

Non-seminoma tumours are found in younger men and they tend to grow more quickly in comparison. Most contain a mixture of different types of cancer cells, rather than just one singular type. This makes them easier to treat too.

The different types of cancer cells may include:

• Embryonal carcinoma (aggressive form of cancer cell)
• Yolk sac carcinoma (more commonly found in young children)
• Choriocarcinoma (very rare and aggressive form of cancer)
• Teratoma (extremely rare and don’t respond to radiotherapy or chemotherapy)
• Seminoma (can often be a component of non-seminoma tumours)

They are also known as ‘carcinomas’ – which refers to cancers that start within skin cells or tissues lining your internal organs.

Stromal tumours

Stromal tumours account for around 5% of all cases in adults, and are more common in children. One in five childhood cases of testicular cancer are stromal tumours. These are often benign (not harmful), respond well to treatment, and also less likely to spread to other areas of the body.

The two main types of stromal tumours are called ‘Leydig cell tumours’ and ‘Sertoli cell tumours.’ The former affects the cells that make male hormones like testosterone. The latter affects cells that allow germ cells to make sperm.

Stages of testicular cancer

The stage of testicular cancer refers to the way we measure how severe the cancer is and how much it may have spread to other areas of the body. The higher the stage, the more advanced the cancer is.

The 3 main stages of testicular cancer are:

• Stage 1 – Localised (no spread)
• Stage 2 – Regional (spread to lymph nodes only)
• Stage 3 – Distant spread (spread to areas away from the site of origin)

This is determined by an investigation of the tumour itself and the lymph nodes in your lower abdomen. It is also determined by metastases (if it has spread to other areas of the body) and the levels of tumour markers in your blood.

(Read our blog ‘What to Expect from Scans and Tests: Blood Tests’ for more information on tumour markers.)Top of Form

Stage 1 – Localised

The cancer is found in the testicle but has not spread. For this you may just require surgery and then post-surgery surveillance. However, in some cases chemotherapy and surgery to remove lymph nodes may also be necessary.

• Stage 1A is limited to the testicle, so there is no sign of spread anywhere else in the body. Surgery is usually all that is required for this stage of cancer and the risk of reoccurrence is low.
• Stage 1B spreads locally but is confined to the scrotum. Again, there is no sign of cancer elsewhere at this stage. Surgery is usually all that is required but there is a higher risk of reoccurrence.
• Stage 1S means your tumour markers are still abnormal following surgery. This could mean there is cancer elsewhere in the body and more treatment is needed.

Stage 2 – Regional

The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes in your abdomen, but no further than that. Tumour markers may or may not be elevated at this stage. Treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of all three – depending on the type of testicular cancer you have.

• Stage 2A tumours are 2cms or less
• Stage 2B tumours are 2 to 5cms
• Stage 2C tumours are bigger than 5cms

Stage 3 – Distant

The cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes in the abdomen to other areas of your body. Treatment will usually involve surgery and chemotherapy.

• Stage 3A cancer has spread to the lungs or lymph nodes away from the abdomen. Tumour markers may or may not be slightly elevated.
• Stage 3B cancer may or may not have spread to the lungs or lymph nodes away from the abdomen, but tumour markers are moderately elevated.
• Stage 3C cancer has spread to other organs of the body like the liver or brain, or to your lungs and distant lymph nodes and your tumour markers are very high.

Do your part! Check your nuts!

If you check your balls frequently and see a doctor if you do find something unusual, then statistics suggest you will be absolutely fine, even if you do find something. Check regularly! Do not put off calling the doctor if you find a lump! You could potentially save your life!

A blood test is a relatively simple procedure that most of us will have had at least once in our lives. They can check your general health, the number of blood cells you have and how well some of your vital organs are working. They can also be used, in addition with other scans and tests, to help diagnose testicular cancer.

A blood test alone is not enough to diagnose cancer. They can give an indication of tumorous cells but not confirm cancer. We explain how and why below.

When do you have a blood test done?

Having your blood taken will be the first test you will have if you notice a lump or other symptoms of testicular cancer. If caught early enough testicular cancer is highly curable, with a 95% survival rate. So it is extremely important that you check your nuts regularly.

Check out our blog on the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer to know what to look out for.

You will also have regular blood tests during and/or following any treatment for testicular cancer, such as surgery or chemotherapy/radiotherapy. These will form part of your surveillance programme. This is where you are tested regularly during and following treatment to check it’s effectiveness and if the cancer returns.

Blood tests are usually every 1-3 months after treatment, becoming less and less frequent if you remain clear over a course of 3-5 years. After this time, you are usually discharged.

What is a blood test looking for?

The particular blood test used to detect testicular cancer is called a tumour marker test. If you have a tumour, you are likely to have tumour markers (which are usually proteins also known as biomarkers or molecular markers) in your blood. These can include beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, alpha-fetoprotein and lactate dehydrogenase.

They can also be found in urine and body tissues. Some are made only by one type of cancer, whilst others can be made by several types. Some cancers don’t have any tumour markers at all.

These substances exist in your blood and aren’t necessarily a sign that you have cancer. However, levels that are higher than usual could be a sign that you have cancer. This is what the test is for – to measure the levels of tumour markers in your blood.

Where do you have a blood test done?

Your GP surgery or a walk in clinic. A doctor, nurse or phlebotomist (someone who is specialised in taking blood) will conduct the test. Blood is usually taken from your arm as with most other blood tests. A tourniquet is used around your arm to make it easier for them to find a vein.

A small needle attached to a syringe will draw out some blood into a small vile or bottle. The sample will then be taken away to be tested at a laboratory.

What happens next?

Results can be expected within a day or two, or perhaps a little longer, depending on the type of blood test or the severity of your symptoms. You should wait no longer than a week or two.

Your GP or healthcare provider will let you know when your results are ready and book an appointment with you to discuss them.

If you do show signs of raised tumour markers, the next step will be to have an ultrasound scan. You can find more information on that in our next blog post!

Welcome to the third post in our blog series – meet the team! Gain an insight into the lives of the people who run, support or volunteer for Baggy Trousers UK.

In this edition we meet our treasurer – Jess Rae.

1) What does your role involve for BTUK?

I have been on the board since 2016 and I am currently the treasurer. Things I would normally do range from looking after the bank account, yearly budgets, basically anything and everything money related!

2) Where were you born and where are you from now?

Born in Ashton and still there now.

3) What do you do for a job away from the charity?

I am a store manager for O2 currently.

4) How do you take your tea or coffee?

Tea 2 all the way!

5) What was the last book you read and the last film you watched?

Colleen Hoover, ‘It Ends With Us’ and Mamma Mia 2.

6) What is your favourite BTUK blog?

Meet the team!

7) What’s the best place you have ever been to?

Cuba.

8) What do you hope to achieve with BTUK?

Continue to support the charity in raising awareness in any way shape or form that we can!

We’re excited to announce that some of the team are doing the Heaton Parkrun on June 22. Inspired by our Rob’s momentous effort to run 2400km in 2024, our founder Jack Broadley, and trustees Ian Arnison-Phillips and Harry Johns, will be joining him early doors ready for the 9am run, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

We will need to be too, as we will be about to embark on a nice and easy (as Rob would say) 5km jaunt through Heaton Park. What better way to start your Saturday morning though!

We will be representing BTUK and hopefully raising some awareness around testicular cancer whilst we’re at it. So come and say hello! We would love to chat – just let us catch our breath first! You can find us somewhere around the Pavillion Cafe afterwards where we will be handing out leaflets and chatting to people. We hope to see you there!

What is Heaton parkrun?

This is a 5km run that occurs every Saturday at 9am in Heaton Park, Manchester. It is a free and friendly community event where people can run, jog, or walk the course. Participants must register before they come along, but other than that you are free to along as you please.

The Course

The course is 5km long and is mostly on tarmac paths and gravel. Of course, this is Manchester we are talking about, so expect some wet or muddy patches!

Heaton Park is the largest park in the North West, covering over 600 acres. It is the location of Heaton Hall, a Grade I listed 18th century country house.

For more information on the event and how to get there, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/heaton.

What is a prosthetic testicle?

This is an artificial (human-made) testicle that replaces one lost due to injury or medical condition, such as testicular cancer. It doesn’t perform any of the functions of a normal testicle in that it doesn’t produce sperm of testosterone.

Men born without a testicle may also request a prosthetic testicle, but this occurs much less often.

Other names for prosthetic testicles include:

• fake testicles
• testicle implants
• testicle transplants
• artificial testes

What are prosthetic testicles made of?

Most prosthetic testicles are made of silicone and filled with saline. In early times, materials such as vitallium (also used in dentistry) and even marble was used for prosthetic testicles!

What does an artificial testicle look like?

Testicular implants have the appearance of small, translucent and squishy looking eggs. They have a similar shape, weight and feel to a human testicle. They come in a range of different sizes, so a urologist can choose a size that is a good match for your body – and your other testicle.

Why choose to have a prosthetic testicle?

You don’t have to choose the option of a prosthetic testicle if you’re missing one. Most testicular cancer survivors who choose to have a prosthetic replacement following an orchidectomy (surgical removal of one or both testicles) do so for image reasons. It can improve physical appearance and confidence, and calm any psychological fears.

Having a testicle implant, or choosing not to, will not affect your ability to get an erection or have sex.

How do you replace a missing testicle?

In general, the surgical procedure will involve the following steps:

1. You will be under either general or local anaesthesia. The former will put you to sleep for the whole procedure (most common – especially if you have testicular cancer and you are having a tumorous testicle removed). The latter involves numbing your scrotum and the surrounding areas, and you will be awake for the procedure.
2. A scalpel is used to make an incision in the lower part of your abdomen/groin or the upper section of your scrotum.
3. If you have testicular cancer then first the tumorous testicle must be removed through the incision made in the previous step.
4. A pouch is created for the prosthetic testicle within your scrotum.
5. The implant is sewn into place in the correct position in your scrotum.
6. The incision is closed using stitches.

This is a relatively simple and typically outpatient procedure that can take less than an hour. You can go home as soon as the procedure is complete and you feel fine to do so.

Prosthetic testicle benefits

• Prosthetic testicles can last a lifetime
• Relatively safe procedure with low risk of surgical complications or side effects
• Improves body image
• Boosts confidence and self-esteem

Prosthetic testicle risks

• Infection
• Scarring
• The prosthetic testicle may shift out of position, rupture or leak
• Pooling of blood in your scrotum

It’s important to note that the chances of these risks coming into fruition are rare. However, if you have certain conditions or existing complications, you may have a higher risk of developing complications.

This can include diabetes or a suppressed immune system (increases risk of infection), previous surgery on your scrotum, or an existing infection anywhere in your body.

What is the recovery and aftercare process?

After surgery you can expect some amount of pain or discomfort. It will feel tender around your scrotum and the area around the scar for at least a couple of days. You will also need to wear bandages and perhaps a supportive garment for a week or so. Your healthcare provider will give you pain relief and antibiotics if required.

You should be able to pee normally and comfortably throughout your recovery. However, you must avoid any strenuous exercise or physical activity for around 4 weeks after your surgery. This includes lifting heavy weights, running, or riding a bicycle. You may also be advised to avoid wearing anything that rubs against your scar as it heals. You should also wait the same amount of time before having sexual intercourse.

Failing to follow these recommendations may result in your prosthetic testicle shifting out of position or being expelled by your body, infection, or bleeding around your scar.

After 4 weeks you should be able to remove all bandages, support garments, and live a normal life.