For men who have testicular cancer, where treatment option is the removal of the affected testicle the appearance may look the same from the outside or there may be a noticeable void and a testicular implant could restore the appearance. There are other reasons one may wish to receive an implant including cryptorchidism or anorchism/genetic or birth defect.
The search for a substitute implant began in 1941, with the first prosthesis composed of vitallium (a metal alloy). A couple of years later, an acrylic version using lucite, became popular.
Glass marbles, Gel Foam, Plexiglass, Dacron and Polyethylene prostheses have also been used without much success. All of these versions were deemed hazardous. It was suggested that the ideal testicular prosthesis should be inert, stable and should not cause any inflammatory reaction or rejection from the body.
Today, solid silicone and saline-filled prostheses are commonly used as a testicular implant.
Testicle implants aren’t for everyone, there are pros and cons that should be considered with such implants.
The PROS of implanting:
- From the outside, the scrotum will appear the same as before.
- Most patients who have a testicle implant say it makes them feel better about themselves.
- It’s relatively easy to remove if there are any problems.
- The implant is available in sizes from extra small to large, so it can be matched to the other testicle.
- Surgery to place the testicle implant can be done in an outpatient setting, in about an hour, and the patient can usually go home the same day. Recovery takes only a few days.
The CONS of implanting:
- While the outside appearance may be the same, the actual feel of the current, saline-filled implant (the softer of the implant choices) is usually harder and less malleable than a natural testicle.
- You may not like how the implant looks.
- It won’t produce sperm or testosterone, it is cosmetic.
- If a developing adolescent receives an implant, he may need to have it replaced with a larger prosthesis at some point, so another surgery will be needed.
- There are complications. The implant could stick out, move around, hurt, swell, bleed, or scar on both the outside and inside.
- As with any surgery, there are risks associated with anaesthesia, which should be fully discussed beforehand.
Disclaimer: The Profile Shop does not offer, nor authorised to provide medical advice. Should you require any medical attention we can only advise you to seek medical attention from a registered health care professional
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