There are a large number of diseases of the male genital area, many of which are so serious that doctors suggest that the stronger sex carry out an operation to remove one testicle - hemicastration. This measure is resorted to only in the most extreme cases. Men are very afraid that this will affect their sexual function or they will not be able to have children. This is not true. The operation is not able to make a man impotent and does not affect their ability to fertilize.
Indications for the operation
The following reasons lead to the fact that it is necessary to carry out the removal of the testicle in men:
- Prostate cancer As a result of the operation, male sex hormones cease to be produced, which allows you to control the growth of the tumor.
- If during puberty the testicle did not fall.
- A large amount of testosterone caused by many systemic diseases.
- Twisting of the spermatic cord, because of which the organ ceases to be supplied with blood. Such a pathology arises as a result of prolonged sports exercises or physical effort.
- Testicular cancer.
Preparation for surgery
Before an operation is performed to remove the testicle in men, standard procedures are performed: a complete medical examination, delivery of urine and blood for analysis, and taking pictures. Possible risks of applied anesthesia are determined.
The doctor is also provided with a list of medicines that a man usually takes. It is forbidden to use aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as blood thinners (for example, Clopidogrel, Warfarin) a week before the operation. The intestines should be cleaned with an enema or soft laxatives. 8 hours before the testicle is removed, the patient is prohibited from eating and two hours from drinking.
How is the operation performed?
Basically, removal of the testicle in men is carried out under local or spinal anesthesia, but sometimes at the request of the patient the doctor uses general anesthesia. The operation lasts from one to two hours, depending on the severity of the disease.
First, the hair is shaved in the genital area, and then the penis is fixed with a bandage. An anesthetic is injected into the scrotal suture, after which a 5 cm incision is made along it. The testis is brought out, squeezed and crossed by the spermatic cord. The scrotum is introduced into the scrotum and a cosmetic suture is applied .
After the operation, the patient can immediately leave the hospital. A man is able to go to work in a few days. To preserve the aesthetic appearance of the external genitalia, it is possible to select an implant prior to surgery, which is a silicone prosthesis that follows the shape and size of the removed organ.
What complications can arise?
Like any surgical intervention, removal of the testicle in men can be accompanied by various complications, and they usually appear in the first few days after the operation. It can be:
- pain;
- severe bleeding;
- fever.
However, after hemicastration, the consequences can be much more serious:
- weakening seams;
- suppuration due to infection;
- tissue or nerve damage;
- swelling in the joints.
All of the above pathological conditions require immediate medical attention, since this is a rather serious operation - removing the testicle in men.
Postoperative period
After surgery, the postoperative wound should be taken very carefully so that there are no complications. In the first two to three weeks after removal of the testicle, men are forbidden to play sports, lift weights, go to the pool, bath or sauna, make sudden movements, have sex, take a bath.
In this case, you must perform the following steps:
- external genitals should be wiped twice a day;
- to avoid swelling, it is recommended to apply an ice pack to the groin;
- drink every day 2.5 liters of pure still water;
- you must wear an inguinal bandage.
Possible consequences after surgery to remove the testicle
The main function of the testes is the production of androgens. Testosterone is responsible for sex drive, in addition, it contributes to the development of bone tissue and activates blood flow. Many men are mistaken in believing that after such an operation there may be problems with an erection. After removal of one testicle, the second testis is quite capable of fulfilling its functions. Otherwise, hormone replacement therapy is performed.
Due to hormonal imbalance, changes in the appearance of the man occur. Due to the increase in fat, weight begins to increase, muscle mass decreases, the skin becomes flabby, and bone tissue loses its density.
The consequences of male testicular removal may be as follows:
- weight gain often reaches 10 kilograms;
- specific breast enlargement, palpation feels soreness;
- psychological impotence, which occurs due to dissatisfaction with the appearance of their genitals;
- fatigue, which after some time takes on a chronic form;
- symptoms of female menopause: hot flashes, ebbs, sweating;
- stretch marks appear on the skin due to a reduced level of elasticity and collagen, increased dryness;
- decreased genital sensitivity;
- irritability, unreasonable mood swings ;
- decreased or complete loss of sex drive.
Conclusion
Removing the testicle in men is a fairly serious operation that can cause various complications. To avoid this, it is necessary to correctly observe the postoperative regimen. Be sure to wear a retaining bandage. The incision on the scrotum heals without a trace. Men with one testicle almost always become fathers, because the remaining testis normally performs its function.