There is no easy way to put it. Orchiectomy is the removal of either one of or both testicles. The testicles are where testosterone and sperm are produced in the human male. This procedure is most commonly performed in order to both treat testicular cancer. It has also been used successfully in other cancer treatments when there has been trauma to the testes. It is also becoming increasingly common to use in conjunction with the treatment of prostate cancer. Don’t let the facts about this form of treatment prevent you from seeking medical attention if you suspect either form of cancer. Early detection remains essential for the greatest likelihood of success in treating both illnesses.

Orchiectomy may seem like a rather radical form of treatment for this condition but failing to act could have lethal consequences. If prostate cancer is suspected, this is the one of the treatment options that may be recommended.

The bottom line is that this is often a highly effective treatment option available for the treatment of prostate cancer as unappealing as it may seem. If the cancer is discovered early, there are more options for treatment available. As the cancer progresses and begins to spread those options are fewer and should be carefully considered before electing the one you wish to try most. Consider the risks and benefits of each surgery option that is open to you before making your final decision.

Orchiectomy Risks

Compared to many other surgeries that are commonly performed, this particular surgery has relatively few risks. Most of those are the same risks that all surgeries bring to the table. Remember that there is no such thing as a safe surgery. Common risks with this particular surgery for the treatment of prostate cancer include: diminished sex drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, weight gain, breast enlargement, decreased muscle mass, hot flashes, and osteoporosis. Many of these are the result of the loss of testosterone rather than the surgery itself. Potential risks that are directly related to the surgery are: reaction to anesthesia, infection around surgical site, and bleeding.

While this may seem like an unattractive surgery, testicular cancer and prostate cancer are very curable if you bite the bullet early and have the surgery performed. Early treatment is vital to victory when your body is waging war against prostate cancer. Right now, this is one of a few options that has netted any real success for treating prostate cancer.

It is quite possible to lead a perfectly normal and relatively full life after this treatment. There is even an implant procedure where a prosthetic testicle is placed in the scrotum to maintain a more natural look. Make sure you consider all of the possibilities of this surgery as well as the risks and benefits of other surgical and non-surgical options for treating prostate cancer before you make up your mind. Some of the alternatives include: cryosurgery, chemotherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, and hormone therapy. Each one of these options has strengths and weaknesses to explore as well as differing side effects, some of which may not yet be known.

There is life after orchiectomy and it can be a very full life. Most instances result in few, if any long-term side effects concerning your sexuality. If there are no fully functioning testicles remaining once the surgery has been performed, hormone therapy to replace the missing testosterone will often be prescribed. Otherwise you can lead a fairly normal life—certainly a healthier and quite possibly longer life than if you had neglected to have the surgery performed. Today is a great day to explore your options and decide if this is a necessary surgery for you.