What should you know about removing testicles for prostate cancer?

The testicles make most of the body's testosterone. Orchiectomy removes testicular tissue so testosterone falls without regular injections or implants. The surgeon may remove the testicles fully or remove the hormone-producing inner tissue while preserving the outer appearance; the available approach depends on your goals and the surgical plan.

Lower testosterone can reduce sex drive and erections and may cause hot flushes, tiredness, mood changes, loss of muscle, and reduced bone strength. The operation does not remove the prostate tumour. Your team may combine it with other prostate cancer treatments or use it when cancer is controlled through hormone-sensitive pathways.

Discuss the purpose of treatment, alternatives, fertility, body image, sexual health, and emotional support before surgery. Ask which medicines and activities need adjustment, how the wound should be cared for, and how follow-up blood tests will track treatment response. Walking and gradual activity can support recovery, while your clinician can advise on bone-strengthening therapy, resistance exercise, and vitamin or mineral needs.

Tell the team about new urinary difficulty, because prostate disease and treatment can affect urine flow. Keep a record of hot flushes, sleep changes, pain, and mood symptoms so they can be addressed.

Call the surgical team for fever, increasing wound redness, discharge, uncontrolled pain, heavy bleeding, or swelling that is getting worse. Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or sudden one-sided leg swelling. Contact the team promptly if you cannot pass urine, the wound opens, or symptoms become difficult to manage.

Ask whether full or partial orchiectomy is planned, how the result may affect hormone treatment, and which alternatives are suitable. Ask about sexual-health support, fertility and prosthesis options, mood care, bone monitoring, follow-up tests, and what other treatments could be added if the cancer changes.