Testicular Prosthesis
A testicular prosthesis, sometimes called a testicular implant, can restore the appearance and contour of the scrotum when a testicle is absent or has been removed. Implantation may be considered at the time of testicular surgery or as a separate procedure later.
What is a testicular prosthesis?
A testicular prosthesis is an implant placed within the scrotum to replace the appearance and volume of a testicle that is absent.
It is designed to recreate scrotal contour rather than replace the biological function of a testicle.
A prosthesis does not produce testosterone or sperm and does not restore fertility. Its purpose is reconstructive and relates to appearance, symmetry and body image.
Choosing whether to have a testicular prosthesis is personal. Some patients consider it important, while others are comfortable without an implant. The role of consultation is to explain the available options and help you make an informed choice.
Why might a testicular prosthesis be considered?
Following testicular cancer surgery
A prosthesis may be offered when an orchidectomy is required for a suspected or confirmed testicular tumour.
Testicular torsion
If a testicle cannot be preserved following torsion, a prosthesis may be considered either during the original treatment pathway or subsequently.
Undescended or absent testis
Some patients have an absent, severely atrophic or previously removed testicle related to an undescended testis or earlier childhood surgery.
Previous infection or trauma
Loss of a testicle following severe infection or injury can leave significant scrotal asymmetry.
Previous orchidectomy
A prosthesis does not have to be inserted at the time the testicle is removed. Delayed implantation can be considered later in suitable patients.
Previous implant problems
Patients who already have a testicular prosthesis may seek assessment because of position, size, discomfort, migration or another implant-related concern.
When can a testicular prosthesis be inserted?
At the time of orchidectomy
In suitable circumstances, a prosthesis can be inserted during the same operation in which a testicle is removed.
This means a separate future operation may not be required for prosthesis placement.
As a later procedure
If a prosthesis was not inserted previously, delayed implantation may still be considered months or years later.
Previous scars, the available scrotal space and the condition of the tissues are considered when planning delayed surgery.
Choosing the appropriate implant and position
Testicular prosthesis surgery is not simply a matter of choosing the largest implant available.
The goal is usually to achieve an appropriate scrotal contour while considering the patient's anatomy, the opposite testicle, available space and previous surgery.
The available space and tissue quality are assessed.
Size, position and natural asymmetry are considered.
Scars and previous inguinal or scrotal procedures may influence planning.
The size selected should be appropriate for the individual anatomy.
Position is important to the eventual appearance and feel.
What you hope to achieve should be discussed before surgery.
Will a testicular implant feel exactly like a natural testicle?
No prosthesis perfectly reproduces a biological testicle.
A testicular implant may differ from the natural testicle in firmness, weight, movement and position.
Natural testicles themselves are also not perfectly symmetrical. One commonly sits lower than the other and differences in size and orientation are normal.
An important part of planning is therefore discussing what a prosthesis can reasonably achieve before deciding on surgery.
Rather than asking whether the implant can make both sides identical, it may be more helpful to discuss what size, position and scrotal contour are realistically achievable in your individual anatomy.
Does a testicular prosthesis affect testosterone, erections or fertility?
Testosterone
The prosthesis itself does not produce testosterone. Hormonal function depends on the remaining biological testicular tissue and other individual factors.
Fertility
A prosthesis does not make sperm and does not restore fertility. Fertility depends on functioning testicular tissue and the underlying reason for testicular loss.
Sexual function
A testicular prosthesis is not an erectile device. Its purpose is to restore scrotal contour rather than directly treat erectile or sexual function.
What does testicular prosthesis surgery involve?
What problems can occur with a testicular prosthesis?
As with any surgical implant, complications are possible. Individual risks depend on the circumstances of surgery, previous operations and tissue quality.
Problems with a previous testicular prosthesis
A testicular implant that is painful, sitting too high, incorrectly positioned, has moved or feels significantly different from what was expected can be assessed.
Not every concern requires another operation. When revision is appropriate, options may include repositioning, replacement, removal or staged reconstruction depending on the problem.
High-riding implant
Size concerns
Migration
Increasing asymmetry
Infection concerns
Skin thinning or erosion
When should I seek prompt medical assessment?
Seek medical advice promptly if a testicular implant is associated with increasing redness, swelling, worsening pain, discharge from the wound, fever, skin breakdown or exposure of the implant.
Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms may require urgent assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Testicular prosthesis FAQs
Do I need to have a testicular implant after orchidectomy?
No. Having a testicular prosthesis is a personal choice. Some patients prefer the appearance of a prosthesis while others are comfortable without one. The options can be discussed before surgery whenever circumstances allow.
Can I have a testicular prosthesis years after my testicle was removed?
Potentially, yes. A prosthesis can be considered as a delayed procedure. Previous surgery, scarring, available scrotal space and tissue quality need to be assessed first.
Can a prosthesis be inserted during testicular cancer surgery?
In suitable circumstances, prosthesis placement may be considered at the time of orchidectomy. The decision should be discussed before surgery and depends on the individual clinical circumstances.
Can I choose the size of the testicular prosthesis?
Size is discussed as part of surgical planning, but the appropriate implant also depends on your anatomy, available scrotal space and the size and position of the opposite testicle.
Will the implant feel like my other testicle?
Not exactly. A prosthesis may differ from a natural testicle in firmness, weight, mobility and position. Understanding these differences before surgery is an important part of informed decision-making.
Does a testicular prosthesis make testosterone?
No. A testicular prosthesis does not contain functioning testicular tissue and therefore does not produce testosterone.
Does a testicular implant restore fertility?
No. The prosthesis does not produce sperm. If fertility is important, fertility assessment and preservation options may need to be considered separately depending on the underlying condition.
What if my implant sits too high?
Position is one of the recognised concerns following testicular prosthesis surgery. If the implant remains in an uncomfortable or undesirable position, specialist assessment can determine whether observation or revision should be considered.
Can a testicular prosthesis be replaced?
Yes, replacement may be considered in selected situations, including problems with position, size, discomfort or another implant-related issue. The best approach depends on why revision is being considered.
Can a testicular prosthesis be removed completely?
Yes. Removal can be considered when medically necessary or when a patient no longer wishes to retain the prosthesis. Whether a replacement should be inserted at the same time or later depends on the circumstances.
Explore related conditions and treatment
Considering a testicular prosthesis?
Testicular prosthesis surgery can be discussed before planned orchidectomy or considered later following previous testicular surgery or loss of a testicle.
Consultation provides an opportunity to discuss implant size, likely position, expected feel, potential risks and whether prosthesis placement is appropriate for your circumstances.