Testis Implant (Testicular Prosthesis)

Prostheses are structures that are placed in the body and imitate the organ in which they are in harmony with the living organism.

Prostheses such as leg prostheses and arm prostheses normally imitate the organ that causes loss of function and complete the function deficiencies there. In addition, prostheses placed in the breast and butt area are also preferred for aesthetic purposes.

The use of prosthesis in urology has two important purposes:

  1. Penile prostheses inserted into the penis (happiness stick),
  2. Testicular prostheses inserted into the testis.

For detailed information about penile prostheses, you can visit our website:

Penil Protez ( Mutluluk Çubuğu )

In this article, we have brought together frequently asked questions about the subject and answered each one separately.

What Is Testicular Prosthesis?

Under normal conditions, both testicles are located in a sac-like structure called the scrotum. In cases where one or both testicles are not present in men, prostheses to replace the testicles are placed in the scrotum. This is also called testicular prosthesis.

To Whom Is The Testicular Prosthesis Fitted?

Testicular prosthesis can be applied to men with the following conditions:

  • Persons who do not have one or both testicles congenitally,
  • Patients who have one or both testicles surgically removed due to testicular cancer,
  • Those who lost one or both sides of their testicles after traumas, gunshot injuries, traffic accidents.

What Are The Types Of Testicular Prosthesis?

Basically, there are two types of prostheses that have been used for many years:

  1. Silicone structured testicular prostheses:

Although silicone-structured testicular prostheses were often preferred in the past, today the rate of use is much less. The reason for this is the possibility of its carcinogenic effect in the long term.

  1. Prostheses consisting of a special elastomer structure on the outside and filled with saline:

These are the most preferred prostheses today. These prostheses are specially filled with saline liquid. It is ideal for creating testes that are similar in size and consistency and look equal.

Is Testicular Prosthesis Application Frequent?

More than half of the patients who were operated on for testicular cancer prefer to have a testicular prosthesis inserted during or after the operation. On the other hand, we also know that most of the people hesitate to consult a doctor because of embarrassment.

Considering the patients who lost their testicles due to other reasons besides testicular cancer, it is possible to say that a large group of patients need testicular prosthesis application.

Is Testicular Prosthesis Recommendation For All Patients Who Need Surgery Due To Testicular Cancer?

Testicular prosthesis is recommended for all patients who will be operated on for testicular cancer. However, only some of the patients demand prosthesis to be fitted. The cost of the operation is thought to be among the most important reasons for those who do not prefer to use prostheses.

How Is Testicular Prosthesis Surgery Performed?

During the operation, an incision of approximately 2 cm is made over the scrotum and the scrotal space is reached through the subcutaneous layers. Here, an area large enough to place the prosthesis is opened. The prosthesis is placed in this area under sterile conditions.

While some prostheses have notches for easy fixation in the scrotal pouch, some have special areas at the ends. Prostheses are passed through these areas and placed into the scrotum with sutures. Afterwards, the scrotum layers that were opened at the beginning of the operation are closed again in accordance with their anatomical positions and thus the operation ends.

Which Type Of Anesthesia Is Preferred For Testicular Prosthesis Surgery?

This surgical procedure can be performed under local, spinal, epidural or general anesthesia. The patient and the anesthesiologist decide together which anesthesia to apply to the patient.

What Should Be Considered After Testicular Prosthesis Surgery?

  • Wound care should be done regularly.
  • For a period of approximately 4-6 weeks, the patient should avoid excessive activity.
  • Wider, cotton and comfortable underwear should be preferred.
  • Wider, comfortable pants can be protective.
  • Be sure to use the medications recommended by your doctor after the surgery.
  • When your control period comes, you should definitely show the area where the wound is located to the doctor who performed the surgery.

What Are The Problems That May Occur After Testicular Surgery?

  • Wound infection may occur and there may be discharge from the wound.
  • Mild scrotal pain may be felt.
  • Very rare problems may be encountered, such as displacement of the prosthesis in the scrotum.

Is Testicular Prosthesis Permanent?

After the testicular prosthesis is inserted, it is permanent. As long as no infection or problem develops, it can stay on the person for life and cause no problems.

Testicular Prosthesis Surgery Costs

Testicular prosthesis surgery is performed in different price ranges within the province of Ankara. Since the prostheses to be fitted are products imported from abroad, most of them vary in price according to the daily exchange rate.

However, factors such as the surgeon who will perform the surgery, the hospital where the surgery will be performed, and the surgical technique to be applied also play an important role in the difference in price ranges. Despite all this, there are generally no significant price differences between centers.

In Which Centers Are The Testicular Prosthesis Surgery Performed In Ankara?

Testicular prosthesis is fitted in many urology centers in Ankara. In our clinic located in Ankara Çukurambar region, we first examine and evaluate our patients. Afterwards, we direct our patients, whom we have decided to apply prosthesis, to private hospitals with which we have an agreement, and we perform their operations here.

Does Testicular Prosthesis Cause Pain? Does The Person Feel Heaviness After The Application?

After the testicular prosthesis is inserted, it usually does not cause pain and a feeling of heaviness. Even if this feeling is present in the early stages of the surgery, it is mostly not permanent.

Is Testicular Prosthesis Obvious From The Outward?

After the testis prosthesis is placed, it is not visible under the trousers and does not reveal itself from the outside.

Is Testicular Prosthesis Understandable By Someone Else?

One of the most curious issues of patients who will have a prosthesis fitted is whether the prosthesis will be understood by someone else. Usually, after the testicular prosthesis is placed, it is not noticed by someone else. As long as the minimally applied incision is sutured aesthetically, the surgical scar will be so small that it is almost invisible.

What Kind Of Incision Is Made During Testicular Prosthesis Surgery?

In the surgery, an incision of approximately 1-2 cm is made in accordance with the skin folds of the side (right or left) where the prosthesis will be placed. In bilateral prostheses, the testis is cut from the midline (raphe) and the procedure is completed in this way.

Is Testicular Prosthesis Application Mandatory?

Testicular prosthesis is not a mandatory surgery. It is a completely optional surgical procedure that is generally preferred by patients.

Patients Who Want To Have Testicular Prosthesis Surgery Should Apply To The Doctor From Which Branch?

Patients who want to have a testicular prosthesis should consult a specialist urology doctor.

Does Testicular Prosthesis Cause Pain During Sexual Intercourse?

After the prosthesis is placed without any problems, it does not cause pain during or after sexual intercourse.

Can A Person with A Testicular Prosthesis Have A Child?

If the testicular prosthesis is placed on one side and the testis on the other side is intact, there will be no problem for the patient to have a child.

Will There Be Semen In Patients With Testicular Prosthesis?

The presence of testicular prosthesis in the patient has nothing to do with the semen. In other words, the shape and amount of semen of the patient before the prosthesis surgery will continue in the same way after the surgery.

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