Orchiectomy (say "or-kee-EK-tuh-mee") is surgery to remove one or both of your testicles. It is usually done to treat testicular cancer. It may also be done for other reasons, such as removing a damaged testicle or as part of treatment for prostate cancer.
For testicular cancer, the surgery is called a radical inguinal orchiectomy. The doctor makes a cut in the lower belly. The testicle or testicles are removed and the cut is closed with stitches.
For a simple orchiectomy, the doctor removes one or both testicles through a cut in the scrotum.
If desired, artificial testicles (saline implants) can be put into the scrotum.
You should be able to do most of your normal activities after 2 to 3 weeks. But you will not be able to do anything that requires your body to work hard. It's important not to strain with bowel movements or to lift heavy things.
You will probably need to take 2 to 3 weeks off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.
With one testicle, you can still get an erection or father a child. But if both testicles are removed, you will not be able to father a child. And you may have problems getting an erection.
It is common to feel sad or depressed after this surgery. You may have concerns about body image and sex. Ask your doctor about support groups or other resources that can help.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Orchiectomy surgery is relatively low-risk. Complications aren't common. But orchiectomy carries all the risks of any major surgery, including:
Bilateral orchiectomy (removal of both testes) is rarely done and carries the possibility of side effects. They are related to the loss of testosterone after the removal of both testes. These include:
Orchiectomy can be done as an outpatient procedure or with a short hospital stay. Most people get back to their regular activities in 1 to 2 weeks. And you can expect a full recovery in 2 to 4 weeks.
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Orchiectomy (say "or-kee-EK-tuh-mee") is surgery to remove one or both testicles. This is mainly done to treat testicular cancer or advanced prostate cancer.
You can expect to feel better each day. But you may have some mild to moderate pain for several days after surgery. You may need pain medicine during this time. Your scrotum will be swollen after surgery. This is normal. The swelling usually goes down within 2 to 4 weeks.
You should be able to do most of your normal activities after 2 to 3 weeks, except for those that require a lot of physical effort. It's important to avoid straining with bowel movements and doing heavy lifting while you recover.
If both your testicles were removed, you may start to notice changes in your body several weeks after surgery due to not having male hormones. The most obvious changes may be hot flashes and sweating. You may lose your sex drive, gain weight, or not be able to get an erection. These changes can be upsetting. Talk to your doctor about treatments that might help with these.
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