| The Testicular Cancer Resource Center |
Most men who have an orchiectomy do fine without a testicular implant. For others, appearance or body image matters a lot, and an implant can help restore a more familiar look. There is no right or wrong choice. It is a cosmetic and very personal decision.
A testicular implant, also called a testicular prosthesis, fills the space left by a missing testicle. It does not make testosterone or sperm and does not restore fertility or sexual function. Its purpose is appearance and, for some men, helping them feel more comfortable with their body.
Usually, much less noticeable than men expect. The remaining testicle and the scrotum often make the difference hard to see, even when you are unclothed. Someone changing next to you in a locker room is very unlikely to notice. A sexual partner may not notice either unless they know what to look for or actually feel for it.
That does not mean appearance is unimportant. Some men barely think about it after they heal. Others feel very self-conscious, particularly when they are young, single, dating, or simply want their body to look the way it did before surgery. What matters is how you feel about it.
You can have an implant placed at the time of the orchiectomy or later.
If you already know that you want an implant, there is nothing unreasonable about having it placed during the orchiectomy. If you are unsure, you do not have to rush the decision. An implant can usually be added later.
This is worth asking about before surgery because an implant does not feel exactly like a natural testicle. Men have described implants as firmer, sometimes cooler, and sometimes less mobile than the remaining testicle. Size and position also matter. An implant that is too large, sits too high, or is fixed in an uncomfortable position can be annoying even if it looks good.
If possible, ask your urologist to let you see and feel a sample before you decide. Also ask how the size will be chosen and how the implant will be positioned. Those details may matter more than you expect.
Testicular implants are medical devices, and problems are possible. These can include infection, bleeding or a hematoma, discomfort or chronic pain, scarring around the implant, movement or displacement, extrusion through the skin, and deflation or leakage of a saline-filled implant. An implant may also need to be removed or replaced later.
The manufacturer of the FDA-approved Torosa implant specifically advises that testicular implants should not be considered lifetime devices. That does not mean everyone will need another operation, but it is something worth knowing before you choose one.
These comments were sent to the TCRC over many years. Some describe older implants and older surgical practices, so they should not be taken as current medical advice. We have kept a few because the concerns about appearance, body image, feel, and partners are still very relevant.
“Now that I can see the difference, it is not noticeable even when unclothed. The normal testicle is not that large and the scrotum is bulky enough to hide the fact that something is different. The only real way to discover that it is gone is to feel it.” Keith, who declined an implant
“Honestly, I never think about it when I'm in bed (or elsewhere) with Jean-Marie. And even when he's unclothed, you can't see it. As somebody said, you have to purposely feel it to know. To me, as a girlfriend, that part of TC is a non-problem.” Nathalie
“I don't think the issue is really about what our significant partners think regarding having one, two or no testicles. I believe it's all about self esteem, positive body image and just a general good feeling about your own body.” Sean, who chose an implant
“Although the shape and size of my implant are correct, the feel to me is a bit disconcerting. It is considerably harder than a normal testicle. If I had to choose again I'd go without one. I would demand to see and feel a sample before making this kind of choice if I had to do it again.” Chris, who chose an implant
A testicular implant is optional. Some men are very glad they have one. Others are perfectly happy with one testicle and discover that the difference is far less noticeable than they expected. Still others get an implant and later decide they do not like the way it feels or sits.
If you know you want one, talk with your urologist about placing it during the orchiectomy. If you are not sure, it is reasonable to wait. Either way, ask about the actual implant, the size, the feel, the surgeon's experience, and the possible complications before you decide.