Life After Losing Both Testicles: Sex, Testosterone, Fertility & Confidence

**Episode 19 | Fertility and Other F Words** In this episode of *Fertility and Other F Words*, Dr. Amy Pearlman and Dr. Larry Lipshultz sit down with a patient to discuss his journey with testicular cancer, infertility, and a testicular prosthesis. **In this episode, we cover** - Testicular cancer symptoms: What does testicular cancer feel like? Can testicular pain be a sign of cancer, and what should you do if you find a lump or notice something unusual? - Testicular cancer in young men: Why men in their 20s and 30s can develop testicular cancer, and how our patient was diagnosed twice, more than 20 years apart. - How to check your testicles for cancer: Why it's important to know what's normal for your body and when to see a urologist about testicular pain, swelling, or a lump. - Can you have children after testicular cancer? How losing one or both testicles can affect fertility, when to consider sperm banking, and what fertility treatment options may be available. - Sex after testicular cancer: Can you still get erections, have orgasms, and enjoy a healthy sex life after testicle removal? - Low testosterone after testicle removal: How testicular cancer treatment can affect testosterone levels, energy, sex drive, and long-term health. - Testicular implants after cancer: What are testicular prostheses, how do they look and feel, and can they help men regain confidence after testicle removal? - Male infertility and IVF/IUI: The emotional and physical challenges of trying to have children after cancer, including fertility treatments and pregnancy loss. - Why men avoid going to the doctor: How embarrassment, fear of genital examinations, and concerns about masculinity can prevent men from getting potentially life-saving care. **Key Takeaways:** 1\. Testicular Cancer Doesn't Always Look or Feel the Way You Think A lump isn't the only possible warning sign of testicular cancer. Our patient experienced significant testicular pain before both diagnoses, even though testicular cancer often presents as a painless lump. If you notice pain, swelling, a lump, or anything different about your testicles, don't assume it's from exercise, sex, or getting older. Get it checked. A simple examination and testicular ultrasound can help determine what's going on. 2\. Losing a Testicle Doesn't Mean Losing Your Sex Life or Your Chance to Become a Dad Can you still have sex after testicular cancer? Can you get someone pregnant with one testicle? For many men, the answer to both questions is yes. But treatment can affect sperm production, testosterone levels, and fertility. Our patient shares his experience with sperm banking, infertility treatment, and building a family after cancer. Knowing your options before treatment can make a significant difference. 3\. Your Testosterone, Your Confidence, and Your Mental Health Matter After Cancer Surviving testicular cancer is only part of the journey. What happens to your testosterone levels after testicle removal? Will your sex drive change? Will your body look different? Our opens up about the emotional impact of losing both testicles, his decision to get testicular implants, and his experience navigating testosterone replacement therapy. These aren't superficial concerns. They're important parts of your health and quality of life. 4\. The Most Dangerous Thing You Can Do Is Ignore Something Because You're Embarrassed Let's face it: most guys don't look forward to having their testicles examined by a doctor. But avoiding an appointment because you're uncomfortable, embarrassed, or afraid of what you might hear can delay a diagnosis. Our patient admits that even after surviving testicular cancer once, he hesitated to seek care when symptoms returned. His story is a reminder that you don't need to wait until something becomes unbearable to ask for help. Know your body. Pay attention to changes. And if something doesn't feel right, make the appointment. Notice:  The Fertility and Other F Words webcast and YouTube channel are intended for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute the practice of medicine nor do they provide medical advice or create a doctor–patient relationship. Use of the information provided through this webcast, YouTube channel, or any linked materials is at the listener’s/viewer’s own risk. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Listeners/viewers should never disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any health condition and are strongly encouraged to consult their own qualified health care professional with any questions or concerns. All content from the Fertility and Other F Words webcast is the property of PODCAST WITH DRS. AMY AND LARRY LLC. Listeners and viewers may not use, distribute, re-distribute, reproduce, alter, or edit any portion of this content without the express written permission of the webcast owners. The views and opinions expressed in this webcast are those of Drs. Amy Pearlman and Larry Lipshultz and do not reflect the official positions or responsibilities of Prime Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, or any affiliated institutions.