“Testicle removal?”
If I have to have a testicle removed can I request that the other one be removed as well?
Male
4 Answers
In most cases, the removal of a testicle (orchiectomy) is performed for specific medical reasons, such as the presence of testicular cancer, testicular torsion, or severe testicular injury. The decision to remove a testicle is typically based on medical necessity and the need to preserve a person's health and well-being.
While you have the right to make decisions about your own medical care, it's important to understand that a unilateral orchiectomy (removal of one testicle) usually doesn't affect fertility, hormone production, or sexual function significantly. The remaining testicle can typically compensate for the functions of the removed one.
If you are considering having the other testicle removed for non-medical reasons, it's crucial to discuss your concerns and motivations with a healthcare provider. They can provide you with information about the potential consequences and long-term effects of such a decision, including its impact on fertility, hormone levels, and sexual function.
In most cases, healthcare providers prioritize preserving healthy tissue and function whenever possible. If there is no medical necessity for removing the other testicle, it may not be a recommended course of action.
If you have specific concerns or reasons for considering the removal of the remaining testicle, it's essential to have a thorough discussion with a urologist or healthcare provider who can provide guidance based on your individual situation and medical history. They can help you make an informed decision about your care.
While you have the right to make decisions about your own medical care, it's important to understand that a unilateral orchiectomy (removal of one testicle) usually doesn't affect fertility, hormone production, or sexual function significantly. The remaining testicle can typically compensate for the functions of the removed one.
If you are considering having the other testicle removed for non-medical reasons, it's crucial to discuss your concerns and motivations with a healthcare provider. They can provide you with information about the potential consequences and long-term effects of such a decision, including its impact on fertility, hormone levels, and sexual function.
In most cases, healthcare providers prioritize preserving healthy tissue and function whenever possible. If there is no medical necessity for removing the other testicle, it may not be a recommended course of action.
If you have specific concerns or reasons for considering the removal of the remaining testicle, it's essential to have a thorough discussion with a urologist or healthcare provider who can provide guidance based on your individual situation and medical history. They can help you make an informed decision about your care.
Dr. Leigh Young
Internist
That’s quite a question. Why do you need your testicle removed? Your testicles are the only organs which make testosterone. This is an important hormone. It can be given artificially but that can be expensive and fraught with problems. Without testosterone you will lose muscle mass and can also develop chronic fatigue. Of course also with no testosterone you will not be able to achieve an erection without help.
I guess it depends on the reason you would want it removed. If you have cancer concerns or even cancer that’s present, that would be a reason to have bilateral testicle removal. With the wonders of modern medicine, testosterone can be replaced with injections. That would be a discussion with your Urologist. Sounds like a tough decision that you’re trying to make. I’m grateful you reached out for support. Best of luck to you in this tough time.
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