There are several reasons why someone might undergo testicle removal, or orchidectomy. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Testicular cancer: Orchidectomy is the most common treatment for testicular cancer. The surgery removes the affected testicle, as well as any surrounding tissue that may be cancerous.
- Prostate cancer: In some cases, men with prostate cancer may undergo orchidectomy to reduce the amount of testosterone in their body. Testosterone can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.
- Male breast cancer: Orchidectomy can be used to treat male breast cancer. The surgery removes the affected testicle, as well as any surrounding tissue that may be cancerous.
- Testicular torsion: Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that occurs when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. If left untreated, testicular torsion can lead to the loss of the testicle. Orchidectomy is the only way to treat testicular torsion.
- Transgender health: Some transgender women choose to have an orchidectomy as part of their transition. The surgery removes the testicles, which can help to create a more feminine appearance.
In addition to these reasons, there are some other, less common reasons why someone might undergo testicle removal. These include:
- Infertility: In some cases, orchidectomy may be used to treat infertility. The surgery removes the testicles, which are responsible for producing sperm.
- Pain: In some cases, orchidectomy may be used to relieve pain from a chronic condition, such as a varicocele.
- Cosmetic reasons: In some cases, orchidectomy may be performed for cosmetic reasons. For example, a man with a large testicle may choose to have it removed.
There are several reasons why someone might undergo testicle removal, also known as orchidectomy or orchiectomy. Some of the main medical reasons for undergoing an orchidectomy include:
- Testicular Cancer: Orchidectomy is often performed as part of the treatment for testicular cancer. It is one of the initial steps in managing testicular cancer, especially if the cancer is localized or has not spread to other parts of the body. Removing the affected testicle can help eliminate the cancerous cells and prevent the spread of the disease.
- Prostate Cancer: In some cases of advanced prostate cancer, the production of androgens (male hormones) by the testicles can contribute to the growth of cancer cells. An orchidectomy may be performed to remove the testicles and reduce the production of androgens, which can slow down the progression of prostate cancer.
- Undescended Testicles: During fetal development, one or both testicles may not fully descend into the scrotum. If this condition persists and poses health risks or fertility concerns, an orchidectomy may be considered to remove the undescended testicle(s).
- Gender-Affirming Surgery: For transgender women (assigned male at birth but identify as female), an orchidectomy is sometimes performed as part of the gender-affirming process. Removing the testicles helps to reduce the production of testosterone and other androgens, leading to a more feminine hormone balance. This can be an important step in a transgender woman’s gender transition.
- Intractable Testicular Pain: In rare cases, some individuals may experience severe and chronic testicular pain that does not respond to conservative treatments. In such situations, an orchidectomy may be considered as a last resort to alleviate the pain and improve the person’s quality of life.
It’s important to note that an orchidectomy is a major surgical procedure with potential physical and emotional effects. For medical reasons, it is typically performed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under the care of experienced healthcare professionals. For gender-affirming surgery, the decision to undergo an orchidectomy is a personal one and should be made in consultation with psychologists, gender specialists, and other members of the healthcare team to ensure that it aligns with the individual’s gender identity and overall well-being.
As with any surgery, individuals considering an orchidectomy should thoroughly discuss the potential risks, benefits, and long-term effects with their healthcare providers to make an informed decision about the procedure.