What should you know about removal of testis in prostate cancer?

Many prostate cancer cells use male hormones to grow. Removing the testicles, known as orchiectomy, reduces the body’s testosterone production and may slow hormone-sensitive disease. It is a permanent surgical change to the testicles, so your team should explain expected physical and emotional effects, alternatives, and fertility implications. It does not remove the prostate; Prostate Removal Surgery is a different operation.

Discuss whether hormone treatment is intended alone or alongside Radiotherapy, Brachytherapy, targeted treatment, or Bone-Strengthening Therapy. Ask about hot flushes, reduced sexual desire, erectile changes, mood, energy, muscle, and bone health. Review medicines and anaesthesia instructions before the procedure, and arrange wound care and emotional support afterward. Tell the team about urinary symptoms, including Difficulty Passing Urine, before surgery.

Seek urgent advice for increasing wound swelling, heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain, or difficulty passing urine after the procedure. Emergency care is needed for chest pain, severe breathlessness, sudden weakness, or fainting. During longer-term treatment, report new severe bone pain, a fall with injury, or marked mood changes promptly so the team can assess you.

Ask how the operation compares with hormone medicines, whether both testicles are involved, how testosterone will be monitored, what support is available for sexual and emotional changes, and how other treatments may fit later.