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The Nuts and Bolts of Prosthetic Testicles
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:
- 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.
- A scalpel is used to make an incision in the lower part of your abdomen/groin or the upper section of your scrotum.
- If you have testicular cancer then first the tumorous testicle must be removed through the incision made in the previous step.
- A pouch is created for the prosthetic testicle within your scrotum.
- The implant is sewn into place in the correct position in your scrotum.
- 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.
