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Testicle removal

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xproject421
xproject421

In October 2014 I had a vasectomy. After the recovery period I had pain around my left testicle area. I went to see a well respected Urologist in my area and he put me on a few different medications. The mess did not help and after a few months we decided to do a bilateral epididymectomy. The surgery was done in April 2015. After the recover period I continued to have pain and my left testicle slowly grew larger than my right. A sonogram revealed that I had developed a cyst on the back of my left testicle. Went in for surgery in September 2015. I was on recover through November 2015, and did not have any more pain or discomfort. I slowly began excercising (running) and in January 2016 the pain started to come back. My left testicle is a little larger than my right and more tender. My Urologist has suggested that we remove the testicle and that should get rid of my pain completely. I don't want to be in pain for potentially the rest of my life but I am only 32 years old and it just seems like a big decision to make this early in life. My Dr. told me that he could put a prosthetic in if wanted but either way there is nothing to worry about physically. The psychological problems behind having a testicle removed are my main concern. Any thoughts are appreciated.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • pf7
    pf7 xproject421

    Posted

    I had my left one removed at 13 due to torsion so I can sympathize, it is a big psychological hit. It won't effect fertility as I have 3 kids the, the fake one will not feel like a real testicle they are much harder and sit much higher as they sew it to the inside of the scrotum. I had 2 hydrocele surgeries over the past year and a half and now my remaining testicle is twice the size it originally was so it makes the fake one that much more noticeable. Its a big decision bit won't effect your overall health if you decide to go that route the remaining one will just work twice as hard (no pun intended lol). Feel free to ask any more questions you may have.
  • pf7
    pf7 xproject421

    Posted

    Haha totally missed that you said you had a vasectomy so I guess fertility isn't an issue with this.
    • xproject421
      xproject421 pf7

      Posted

      Thanks for sharing. I don't think having only one testicle is something that too many guys openly talk about, so I can't say that I know anyone to talk to about it. I'm curious how long you were affected psycholigcally after it was removed. My wife is afraid that I will get depressed and require meds for depression.
    • pf7
      pf7 xproject421

      Posted

      Still bothers me to tell you the truth I have suffered from depression since around that time (I am almost 39). I kind of had a handle on it but I split from my wife of 7 years about 2 years ago and a few months after the split I got the hydrocele doc said surgery would fix the problem and my remaining testicle would go back to normal but it never did it remained egg sized which makes the prosthetic one look really small (which it is anyways because insurance wouldn't cover a larger one once I was done growing). Haven't even considered dating even to this day I mean how do you explain that to a woman? I mean one is egg size and heavy(from scar tissue from the 2 surgeries) the other is grape sized and hard. It's a tough choice I didn't have an option my testicle was dead they had to remove. You said you are married though so does it really matter you don't intend to have kids and your test levels won't be effected. It will relieve your pain and from what urologists have told me the newer prosthetic ones feel much more real but in the end only you can make that decision.
  • PVP-ouch
    PVP-ouch xproject421

    Posted

    First up make yourself aware of Post Vasectomy Pain Syndrome - I'd hope your Dr had mentioned this as a possibility.

    I had vasectomy 3yrs ago...bad mistake as pain ever since. Started with pain in both testicles radiating out from that point in a dinner plate size diameter.

    Sept 2015 had epidydectomy on both sides, it didn't dampen pain it made it worse.

    I did request a radical orchiectomy on both sides but surgeon refused to remove testicles to attempt to relieve pain as

    1. If the damage is in the nerves the "faulty" receptor may be above the groin area, thus removing testicles may not solve issue and only does so in a small percentage of cases.

    2. Possibility of phantom pain on top of original pain.

    I hope your Dr mentioned the above as risk factors, they may be small but they are still risks nonetheless.

    Sadly where Dr's and vasectomy are concerned there is a lot of smoke and mirrors by Dr's to get you to have the "safe & simple" procedure, they fail to mention, usually, the risks of up to 43% of contracting PVP and fail to mention once got it is exceptionally difficult to remedy.

    You want to be very clear with regard the successful outcome of what they are proposing. Frankly there is a risk and it could make your life a lot worse.

    I've been in hell for 3yrs with opiate use nearing palliative care doses which screws with so many factors physically and pyschologically - high pain relief can interfere with testosterone which in turn can greatly affect sex life.

    If the pain is copeable then I'd hold off on the orchiectomy if you can.

    • xproject421
      xproject421 PVP-ouch

      Posted

      PVP was mentioned although the chances I was told were much lower than 43%. I did the procedure but now I have to deal with the aftermath. My job requires me to be physically fit to their standards so I need to be able to run. Right now, that is not an option due to the pain. I can handle most daily activities at work and home and just deal with the pain, but it has been getting worse. The pain initially came back when I started running again, so I stopped but the pain is still there and gets worse sometimes. My Dr that has been seeing more for over a year due to the pain has been very honest and upfront. Every bit of research I have done, has matched up with what he has told me. He told me that if I was his son he would tell me to remove the left one that is causing the pain. The psychological issues are really what bothers me. Just knowing that only one of the boys is left doesn't make me feel too good.
    • PVP-ouch
      PVP-ouch xproject421

      Posted

      Like you my job requires me to run and restrain where required. That part of the role is becoming nigh on impossible.

      Glad Dr was open with risks, %age to a degree is moot as at least he mentioned PVP - many do not.

      Pyschological issues from pain interfering with sex and life in general are legion. I'd still strongly suggest you really think hard re orchiectomy. It is all very well Dr saying if you were his son etc, fact is you're not and it is not his sons health he is risking. Unless he can catagorically state the orchiectomy will negate the nueral pain then if your pain allows walk away from the option. If he will put in in writing that it will negate pain and it doesn't then at least you potentially have him over a barrel to help with legal action.

      Long term treatment does not come cheap, even on the NHS UK it is costing me a fortune between scripts and private fees and lost pay

  • Ouchy
    Ouchy xproject421

    Posted

    My Urologist won't remove my testicle due to it being unlikely to resolve paid. I've had PVPS for over 3 years and had a left side epdidymectomy 2 years ago.

    I've been offered denervation but chances of success is low.

    I've had to put that off now as I'm on long term sick with a fractured spine. I spent a long time in hospital and don't fancy more surgery. I think I will give up on trying to find a cure. The meds don't help either.

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