Sexual Health - Men Forum - Testicle requires surgery for removal

Mens Health > Sexual Health - Men Forum > Testicle requires surgery for removal - is my bro impotent ?

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Q: Testicle requires surgery for removal - is my bro impotent ?

asked by: DoctorQuestion on November 29th, 2007

My younger brother is 23 and has recently disclosed to us that he has only one testicle.
We have learnt that he would need surgery to remove the other testicle AND WE ARE FINE WITH IT.
However, the question is with regards to his sexuality. He says he doesnt get erection.
Could the one testicle be the cause for this or its all about depression in his mind?
What can be done about it?

Thanks

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on December 10th, 2007

Sexual Health - Men Answer A3438

A testicle that is not present in the scrotum is either "ectopic" or "not descendent" in the scrotum (has not descended). In rare cases, a testicle can be completely missing. Testicles should be settled in the scrotum up to the 3rd year age at most. After that period and if the testis wasn’t surgically descended, a testicle that doesn't reach the scrotum will loss its functionality.

The worst complication of a non-descended testicle is malignant transformation. After 23 years the testicle that didn’t descend in the scrotum probably lost its function but it has to be removed to prevent malignant transformation. If one testicle is functional, impotency can’t be due to genital hypofunction, or lack of funcationality . Nonetheless, testosterone level sand sperm should be checked to evaluate the total genital function of the reproductive system. If the genital functions are ok, impotency can be due to depression.

Your brother can consult a urologist about this problem.

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