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Question:
Hello, I am very uncomfortable with the fact that I have only one testicle, and I recently heard that having a prostehesis can give the impression that my missing one is there. I have a girlfriend and I am afaid to get too sexually involved because of my fear she will see my one testicle as a lack of manhood. Where can I find a place nearby? Also, I am 18, would it be possible that I can have one put in without parental consent since I do not want them to find out (it is quite embarrassing). Most importantly, what is the cost aprroximatly for a prosthesis to be inserted? Once again I would like to go to the doctor without my parents involved, would it be possible to do all this without my parents? Thank you...

Answer:
by Poosha Darbha:
()
You are correct in that an artificial testis (prosthesis) can be implanted in the scrotum to give an impression that one is not missing. Although having only one testicle does not in any way affect your sexual functioning or ability to father a child, feeling uncomfortable with this state or losing sexual self-confidence can be sufficient enough reason for undergoing implantation surgery. Be assured that having one testicle instead of two does not mean lack of manhood. Certain organs of the body are provided in two's by the nature as if one is a spare in the event of loss or damage of the other. The testis is one such organ.

Testicular implantation is a relatively minor surgery done by a UROLOGIST - consult one in your area. He will be the best person to tell you about the costs involved because they vary from place to place.

I would like to add that it is more important to pay attention to the missing testis. Do you remember to have seen (or were shown when your were a child) to a doctor regarding the absence of a testicle. If you don't, probably your parents do. I suggest that you discuss the issue with your parents who will not only empathize with you but also provide you and your doctor with useful medical history of your problem. It is quite likely that they already know about your problem and are keeping quiet intentionally to save you from embarrassment.

If you have never been examined for the missing testicle, this must be done as early as possible. The missing testicle must be located and may have to be brought down into the scrotum or if only the testicular tissue is found it may have to be excised. This is necessary to protect your future health because men with one or both undescended testicles run a greater risk of testicular cancer later, and the longer they remain outside the scrotum the higher the risk. Considering all this I feel confiding in your parents, far from being embarrassing, will actually help you in many ways.

Reviewed by: Scott Gross M. Ed.

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