A testicular prosthesis is an implant of the testicle, which can be inserted into the scrotum if the body’s own testicle is no longer present or never was. Since the testicular implant cannot take over any bodily function, the procedure is classified as cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, depending on the indication. The modern implants are in no way inferior to the real testicles in terms of appearance and feel.
In most cases, the health insurance of the affected person does not cover the operation. Only if there are severe psychological impairments due to the missing testicle, the health insurance company will cover the reconstructive surgery. The prognosis of the implanted testicle is very good. Although rare rejection reactions may occur, as a rule an implanted testicle can remain in the scrotum for the rest of the patient’s life.
Indications of a testicular prosthesis
The reasons for carrying out a testicular prosthesis implantation are very diverse. For example, the removal of a functioning testicle may be necessary for various reasons. Sometimes, however, the testicle is not present from birth due to a genetic defect.
In most cases only one testicle is missing while the other one is still present. In rare cases two testicular prostheses can be implanted. A distinction must be made between congenital and acquired causes.
Due to a genetic defect it is possible that one or both testicles are not or only partially developed. In rare cases, an undescended testicle can also lead to the need for a testicle to be removed. A number of different causes can lead to the necessity of implanting a testicle during the course of life.
A testicular tumor is usually treated by removal of the affected testicle to prevent a dangerous metastasis of the cancer. Even if, for example, after a pathological twisting of the testis (medical term: testicular torsion) the blood vessels of the testis are squeezed and as a result the affected testis dies, it must be removed. Even a severe injury to the testicle can lead to the testicle having to be removed. After removal of the testicle it is possible to insert a testicular prosthesis (implant) into the now empty scrotum. Whether such an operation is appropriate in the individual situation should be clarified by the treating physician after a detailed evaluation of the previous operations, previous diseases and the psychological situation of the affected person.