Testicular Cancer & Sexual Health

University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center Provides Valuable Sexual Health Information Following Testicular Cancer Treatment

Urologic Oncology Center team, a part of UH Seidman Cancer Center located in Cleveland, is an excellent resource for information about the testicular cancer treatment process, including issues related to sexual health and function. Our team of expert physicians is available to provide accurate information and to calm patient fears related to treatment.

How Treatment May Affect Fertility

Many males undergoing open surgery or a minimally invasive treatment for testicular cancer are concerned that losing one testicle will affect their ability to have sexual intercourse or that it will even make them sterile.

Medical research suggests that men with one healthy testicle can still obtain a normal erection and produce sperm. Therefore, an operation that removes just one testicle does not make the individual impotent and seldom interferes with fertility. Some men can also have an artificial testicle, or prosthesis, placed in the scrotum following surgery to maintain the natural look of the genitals. The implant has the weight and feel of a normal testicle.

Surgical Side Effects

Surgical procedures to remove the lymph nodes do not change a man's ability to have an erection or orgasm, but the procedure can cause sterility because it interferes with ejaculation. Some males recover the ability to ejaculate without treatment, while others may be helped by medication.

Patients should discuss with their UH Seidman Cancer Center surgeon the possibility of utilizing a special surgical technique for the removal of the lymph nodes that may protect their ability to ejaculate.

Patients who experience severe side effects following testicular cancer treatment should first call 9-1-1 for assistance.