Testicular torsion is a medical emergency. It requires immediate attention, so if you or your child is experiencing pain in the testicles, seek medical care right away.
In this article, we’ll look at what life after testicular torsion is like, including how doctors diagnose and treat it, what recovery looks like, and any potential long-term implications.
If your testicle has been removed, you may be worried about your fertility, sexual function, or hormone levels. It’s important to remember that many people lead normal lives even after losing a testicle. You can still have kids, have sex, and maintain normal hormone levels with one testicle.
Understanding Testicular Torsion
What is Testicular Torsion?
Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. This twisting action deprives the testicle of essential oxygen and nutrients, which can cause permanent damage if left untreated.
It’s considered a medical emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention to restore blood flow and prevent testicle damage. If torsion isn’t treated quickly, the testicle can die (infarction) within approximately six hours.
Causes and Risk Factors
One known cause of testicular torsion is a condition called “bell-clapper deformity.” This congenital (present at birth) condition occurs when the testicle isn’t properly secured within the scrotum. Higher attachments of the spermatic cord can also increase the risk.
While it can happen at any age, testicular torsion is most common in males under the age of 25, particularly adolescents between 12 and 18. It can also occur in newborns and, less frequently, in older men.
In many cases, testicular torsion happens spontaneously, without any apparent cause. It can even occur unexpectedly during sleep or exercise.
Diagnosis and treatment
Recognizing the symptoms
The most common symptom of testicular torsion is sudden, severe pain in one testicle. You may also feel pain in your lower abdomen.
Other symptoms to watch out for:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- One testicle appearing higher than the other
- Changes in scrotum size and color
The urgency of treatment
With testicular torsion, time is of the essence. The longer you wait to get treatment, the lower the chance of saving the testicle.
- Within 4-6 hours, the testicle can be saved 90% of the time.
- After 12 hours, that drops to 50%.
- After 24 hours, the chance of saving the testicle is only 10%.
Treatment options
The primary treatment for testicular torsion is surgery to untwist the spermatic cord. The surgery typically takes 30-45 minutes.
In cases where the testicle can’t be saved due to prolonged torsion, the testicle may be surgically removed. This is called an orchiectomy. According to one study, nearly 3 in 4 patients need an orchiectomy if surgery is delayed past 12 hours.
RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY
Even after a successful surgery to correct testicular torsion, recovery is essential. Here’s what you can expect:
Immediate Post-operative Care
Expect some pain and discomfort after surgery. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication.
You’ll also receive instructions on how to keep the incision clean and dry to prevent infection.
You’ll need to avoid strenuous activity and sex for a while, and consider potential, though less common, transmission risks such as sperm and cold virus. Most people can return to normal daily activities (other than heavy lifting or intense exercise) within 1 to 2 weeks. Expect to wait 2 to 3 weeks before engaging in strenuous activities, but be sure to get your doctor’s okay first.
Long-Term Monitoring
You’ll need regular check-ups with a urologist to monitor the remaining testicle and ensure it’s functioning properly.
In some cases, the remaining testicle may enlarge slightly to compensate for the loss of the other. This is called compensatory hypertrophy.
Careful monitoring of the remaining testicle is crucial after surgery to ensure it remains healthy.
Addressing Emotional and Psychological Impact
It’s normal to experience a range of emotions after testicular torsion and surgery, including anxiety, sadness, and concern about fertility and sexual function.
Don’t hesitate to talk to family, friends, or a therapist about your feelings. Support groups can also be helpful.
If you have concerns about your body image after losing a testicle, talk to your doctor about options like a testicular prosthesis (artificial testicle).
Impact on fertility and lifestyle
Let’s face it: Testicular torsion and its aftermath can affect a person’s fertility and overall lifestyle.
Fertility considerations
The good news is that guys only need one testicle for normal hormone production and fertility.
However, research shows that as many as a third of people who experience testicular torsion may have a lower sperm count afterward. If you’re concerned about your fertility, or the potential impact of substances like caffeine on sperm DNA, talk with your doctor about a sperm analysis.
Lifestyle adjustments
If you have one testicle removed, you can still live a happy, healthy life. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Protective gear. If you play contact sports, wear a protective cup.
- General health. Eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise are important for your overall reproductive health.
- Psychological well-being. Many people worry about what life will be like after losing a testicle. It’s important to remember that you can still live a normal life.
Testicular prosthesis
A testicular prosthesis is a silicone implant that’s surgically inserted into the scrotum to restore the appearance of having two testicles.
A prosthesis doesn’t have any medical function. It’s only there for cosmetic purposes.
Many men find that a testicular prosthesis helps improve their self-esteem and body image. Talk with your urologist about the pros and cons of getting a prosthesis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you wait too long to fix testicular torsion?
If testicular torsion isn’t treated quickly—generally within 6 to 12 hours—the affected testicle can suffer permanent damage due to lack of blood flow. This can lead to testicular atrophy (shrinking) or even the need for surgical removal (orchiectomy).
How rare is testicular torsion?
Testicular torsion isn’t super common, but it’s not unheard of either. It affects roughly 1 in 4,000 males under the age of 25. It’s most often seen in adolescents, but it can happen at any age, even before birth.
Does one testicle affect testosterone levels?
Generally, having only one healthy testicle doesn’t significantly affect testosterone levels. A single testicle can usually produce enough testosterone to meet the body’s needs. However, there might be a slight decrease compared to having two fully functioning testicles, but it’s often not noticeable.
How long does it take for your testosterone levels to return to normal after ejaculating?
Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, and ejaculation might cause a slight dip, but it’s usually temporary. Most studies suggest that testosterone levels return to normal within a few hours to a day after ejaculation.
Is having one testicle a disability?
Having one testicle is not typically considered a disability. Most men with one testicle can lead normal, healthy lives, with no impact on their fertility, sexual function, or overall health. However, if the loss of a testicle causes significant psychological distress or impacts hormone production, it could potentially be considered a disability in certain contexts, but this is rare.
Wrapping Up
It’s so important to catch and treat testicular torsion as soon as possible. The faster you get medical help, the more likely you are to preserve testicular function.
Life after testicular torsion involves focusing on recovery, fertility, and lifestyle. Recovery means following your doctor’s advice, managing any pain, and keeping an eye on your remaining testicle.
If you’ve experienced testicular torsion, know that you’re not alone, and many people go on to live full and healthy lives with proper care and support.