To the reader:
My husband had to have both testicles removed as a small child. It is not easy for him to know that he can't produce his own blood child. But, he takes testosterone shots every 2...
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Dear Alice,
My friend had to have both of his testicles removed because of Testicular Torsion... will he be able to get an erection now?? What are the testicles for, anyway??
Dear Reader,
Testicular torsion is a painful condition that occurs when the spermatic cord — which includes the vas deferens, arteries, veins, lymphatics, and nerves — twists and cuts off blood supply to the testicle (where sperm and testosterone are produced). It happens when a small ligament that normally attaches a testicle's base to the scrotum becomes loose, allowing the testicle to twist and turn. A man could be born with a loose ligament, and so have some predisposition for this, but testicular torsion can also be the result of trauma to the scrotum or really strenuous physical activity.
Most often occurring in males under the age of 30 years, testicular torsion is more common during infancy or adolescence. It is estimated that the condition affects about 1 in 4,000 males under 25 years of age in the United States.
Symptoms of testicular torsion include:
- onset of sudden pain in a testicle
- swelling or tenderness of the scrotum
- nausea, vomiting, and/or fever
- abdominal pain
- fainting and light-headedness
- elevation of the testicle on the affected side
Testicular torsion requires surgery. In most cases, surgery needs to be performed as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms — preferably within six hours — in order to save the testicle. A restriction of blood flow due to testicular torsion could, over time, lead to the atrophying (shrinking) of the testicle, or even infection.
Having one testicle removed need not diminish or reduce sex drive or erections. But because the testicles produce male hormones, men who have lost both of their testes may experience a reduction in sex drive and difficulty in getting and/or maintaining an erection. When both testicles have been removed, the next step is usually testosterone replacement therapy, which can be discussed with one's primary health care provider or urologist.
Because the testicles produce sperm, losing both also means that a man can no longer have biological children. Your friend may want to talk with someone about how he feels about the surgery and its impact on his sex life and fertility. If he is a Columbia student, he can call x4-2878 to make an appointment with Counseling and Psychological Services.
Kudos to you for wanting to learn more about your friend's situation — he's lucky to have your support.
September 10, 2009
To the reader:
My husband had to have both testicles removed as a small child. It is not easy for him to know that he can't produce his own blood child. But, he takes testosterone shots every 2 weeks and is fine. His sex drive is right up there and he gets erections without a problem.
May 14, 2008
To the reader:
Yes they can still get erections and have sex, with testosterone treatment. My fiance now had both testicles removed at birth (the Dr. was an idiot). He has to have...
To the reader:
Yes they can still get erections and have sex, with testosterone treatment. My fiance now had both testicles removed at birth (the Dr. was an idiot). He has to have testosterone shots every two weeks. Men need to have that testosterone and without their testicles they really don't get any. We have sex all the time. He is able to ejaculate it just doesn't carry any sperm. I would definately suggest being very supportive. It's a hard thing for a guy to live with.