What should I know about the procedure?
If you decide to have a testicular implant procedure, you’ll be required to undergo some routine tests a couple of weeks before your surgery. Such tests usually include a general physical exam and will include providing blood and urine samples.
There are several factors that may affect your procedure, recovery and results. These factors should be understood and carefully discussed with your doctor prior to the procedure.
Factors to consider before your surgery:
- Overall health
- Healing capabilities (which can be affected by smoking, alcohol and medications)
- Prior scrotal surgeries
Factors to consider after your surgery:
- Infections
- Shifting of the implant
- Scarring from the incision
- Possible hardening of the capsule around the implant
Testicular implant surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis (no overnight stay), or it may require a brief hospital stay. Depending on your case, your surgeon will inform you which approach is best suited for you. Your surgeon also will advise you if you should receive general anesthesia (you’ll be asleep) or local anesthesia during your procedure. With a local anesthetic, you’ll be awake, but the lower part of your body will be numb throughout the procedure.
Typically, testicular implant procedures are relatively simple and last from 20 to 40 minutes. There are several different accepted surgical approaches that can be used to insert your testicular implant. Your surgeon will discuss with you the method that he or she will use, and why it is the most appropriate choice for your individual case. It is important to know that implantation of a testicular prosthesis may not be a one-time procedure. Any complications from your surgery may require further procedures.
What will my recovery be like?
You will experience some discomfort during the first 24 to 48 hours after your procedure. Your doctor may or may not decide to prescribe painkillers. You’ll probably be instructed to keep your surgical bandages on your scrotum for at least a few days. Most likely you will feel fatigued and your scrotum will be swollen, tender and sensitive to physical contact for some time. However, your ability to urinate should not be affected.
Although every person’s recovery time is different, you should be able to resume most of your daily activities within a week to ten days. However, you will have to wait at least a month before resuming strenuous activities. Remember to be patient, and try not to rush your recovery time.
Your doctor will be able to provide you with more specific details about your recovery process, including the amount of time to wait before resuming sex, and he or she may have additional recommendations based on your individual needs. Should any problems occur after your procedure, immediately contact your doctor. This is especially important if you have a high temperature, or if your scrotum becomes excessively swollen (enlarged beyond its normal size), painful, red or inflamed.
It is also important that if you visit another doctor for a different medical matter, you tell that doctor you have a testicular implant to prevent additional and unnecessary surgery. If other doctors are not told of the implant, they may mistake the device for a testicular abnormality and recommend exploratory surgery.