Are you worried about losing a testicle? Let's talk about prosthetic testicles.

Losing a body part can be a very emotional experience for anyone. Especially for a man, if he loses one of his testicles due to a medical condition, accident, or congenital problem, it can cause great sadness and shame, not only about his appearance but also about his masculinity. But did you know that there is a solution to this? Today we are talking about that. That is artificial testicles .

What is a prosthetic testicle?

Simply put, an artificial testicle is a man-made device. It's like a prosthetic arm or leg. When a testicle is removed by doctors due to a congenital absence, or due to a medical condition or accident (which we call an orchiectomy ), this artificial testicle is used to fill the empty space. It's implanted inside the scrotum, the sac that holds the testicles behind your penis.

Typically, people who are born with both testicles and then lose one at some point in their lives are the ones who are most likely to receive this artificial testicle transplant.

Why would someone need something like this?

In fact, this artificial testicle is not something you absolutely need. That is, you can live without one. Not having a testicle does not affect your ability to have sex or your ability to be alive.

However, many people decide to wear it to normalize their appearance and thereby increase their self-confidence (self-image). This is a great help in getting rid of the mental stress of feeling like they are lacking something.

What qualities should a good artificial testicle have?

Think about it, since this is something that's going to be placed inside the body, it has to be very secure, right? A good artificial testicle should look like this:

• Should not react with the body: Some substances can react inside the body and cause problems.
• Do not cause inflammation : If the body's immune system sees this as something foreign and starts attacking it, the surrounding tissues may swell.
• It should withstand mechanical stress: This means that it should not cause any discomfort or pressure when you walk, run, or sit.
• It must be sterile: otherwise there is a high chance of infection occurring inside the body.
• It should look and feel natural: It shouldn't feel artificial, either at first glance or to the touch. You should also be able to choose a size that fits your body.

In the past, these were also made of metal. But now the most common ones are made of `` silicone`` rubber, which is very similar to the natural touch. They are filled with ``silicone gel`` or salt water ``saline``.

What are the causes of testicular loss?

There are several reasons why someone might lose a testicle or need a transplant. Let's take a look at what they are.

How is the surgery done?

When you decide to have this type of surgery, you should first see a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems, a ``urologist.`` He or she will answer all your questions and explain the surgery thoroughly.

These are the steps in which the surgery usually takes place:

1. Anesthesia : An anesthesiologist will give you either general anesthesia (putting you completely asleep) or local anesthesia (numbing only the area being operated on).

2. Making an incision: The specialist will make a small incision in the lower part of your groin or in the upper part of your scrotum.

3. Preparing the space: Next, a space (pouch) is created inside the scrotum to place the artificial testicle.

4. Implantation : In the created space, the artificial testicle is placed in the right place and secured with a few stitches from the inside to prevent it from moving around.

5. Closing the incision: Finally, the external incision is closed using dissolvable stitches.

This is a very simple procedure that usually takes less than an hour. In most cases, you can go home the same day. However, if you are given general anesthesia, you will definitely need someone to take you home.

What are the benefits and risks of surgery?

Like any medical procedure, this one has benefits as well as minor risks.

Benefits:

• Durability: Once implanted, it can last a lifetime.
• Safety: This is a very safe surgery. The risk of complications is very low.
• Self-confidence: Worries about one's appearance disappear and self-confidence increases.

Risks:

• Infection.
• Accumulation of blood in the scrotum (hematoma).
• Not being satisfied with the appearance after surgery.
• Formation of scar tissue around the implanted device.
• Moving the implanted device from its place.
• The device explodes or something leaks from it.
• The body rejects it and pushes it out (this often happens if there is an infection).

How long does it take to recover after surgery?

You need to rest a bit after the surgery.

• You may feel some pain and discomfort for the first day or two. You can take painkillers prescribed by your doctor for this.
• The bandage will stay on for a few days.
• You should be able to urinate normally.
• You should avoid lifting weights, riding a bicycle/motorcycle, and strenuous exercise for about a month .
• Doctors advise refraining from having sex or masturbating for one to two weeks .

When should you see a doctor?

If you have any of these symptoms after surgery, see your doctor immediately:

• If you experience unbearable pain.
• If you have difficulty urinating.
• If the cut is bleeding excessively or pus is coming out.
• If you lose sensation in the scrotum.
• If you develop symptoms of infection such as fever and chills.

prosthetic testicle, testicular surgery, orchiectomy, men's health, testicular implant, urologist