An orchiectomy is a surgical procedure to remove one or both testicles. Providers use this procedure to treat and prevent testicular cancer as well as treat male breast cancer and prostate cancer. Transgender women may choose to have an orchiectomy when transitioning from male to female. Orchiectomies usually don’t require an overnight hospital stay.
An orchiectomy (or orchidectomy) is a surgical procedure to remove one or both testicles. Testicles are two small organs that hang in a sac of skin (the scrotum) below the penis. Testicles (or testes) make sperm and male hormones, including testosterone.
Healthcare providers perform orchiectomies to treat or prevent testicular cancer, prostate cancer and male breast cancer. Transgender women may choose to have an orchiectomy when transitioning from male to female. Usually, an orchiectomy is an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day.
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Healthcare providers use orchiectomies to:
Providers perform orchiectomies at a surgical center or a hospital. Most commonly, they are done with general anesthesia (to put you to sleep for the procedure). You won’t feel pain during surgery.
Your healthcare provider cleans the area and makes an incision (cut). The location of the incision depends on the technique your healthcare provider uses. The incision may be in the pubic area (inguinal orchiectomy) or in the scrotum (simple orchiectomy). Your healthcare provider may remove:
If you choose to have a prosthetic testicle, your provider will place the new testicle inside the scrotum. The prosthetic testicle is filled with salt water (saline).
At the end of the procedure, your provider closes the incision with stitches. Usually, the entire procedure takes between 30 to 60 minutes. After the surgery, you’ll need to wait in the recovery room until you’re ready to leave. Most people go home the day of surgery.
You’ll need someone to drive you home after surgery. Patients feel better quickly, but the entire recovery process usually takes several weeks. You will need to schedule a follow-up visit with your healthcare provider after the procedure. As you recover, you should:
For patients with testicular cancer, orchiectomy is an effective treatment to remove the tumor and obtain a diagnosis. In cases of other cancers, it is an effective treatment to lower hormone levels as part of a larger treatment strategy.
For transgender people, the procedure reduces the need for long-term hormone therapy. Hormone therapy for transgender women often includes drugs or supplements that lower androgen levels (androgen deprivation therapy or ADT) or increase estrogen. Although the risks of estrogen supplements are low, long-term use can lead to blood clots and other health problems. These risks are higher in people who smoke.
As with any surgical procedure, risks of an orchiectomy include bleeding and infection. Patients may also develop bothersome swelling in the scrotum. Complications and side effects of an orchiectomy depend on the type of surgery you had. They may also vary based on whether your provider removed one or both testicles.
People who have both testicles removed (a bilateral orchiectomy) cannot produce sperm. This procedure makes them infertile.
Some of the side effects from orchiectomy result from a decrease in hormone levels. While rare, a drop in testosterone and other male hormones can lead to:
It’s essential to make sure your incision is fully healed before resuming physical activities, including sex. Healthcare providers usually recommend that you wait three to four weeks. Until then, you should not play sports, run or lift anything heavy. Ask your healthcare provider when you can get back to the activities you enjoy.
After an orchiectomy, call your healthcare provider right away if you:
If you’re having hot flashes, fatigue, depression or problems with sexual function, call your healthcare provider. These symptoms can result from a drop in hormone levels. Talk to your healthcare provider about taking hormone supplements, which may relieve these symptoms.
An orchiectomy is an effective treatment for testicular cancer, and is also used for other types of cancer. For many transgender people, an orchiectomy may be an important aspect of the transition process. Because an orchiectomy can cause male hormone levels to drop, you may have side effects following surgery. Talk to your healthcare provider about regulating your hormone levels to avoid long-term complications.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/11/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy