Testicular prostheses: effects on sensual confidence

Abstract

Objective: Testicular implants were presented to improve impaired physical self-confidence of the patients due to lack of testicles. The evaluation of the pediatric population who underwent gonadectomies with or without testicular prostheses placement has not been sufficient so far regarding body image perception, psycho-social interactions with their peers, male friends, and intimate partners through distinctive functional stages in their lifespans. With this study, we aimed to reveal and analyze the experiences of our patients with testicular implants in terms of self-esteem, concerns and complaints during their social and sexual interactions across the passage from childhood to adulthood.

Materials and Methods: The medical records of the pediatric patients who underwent testicular prostheses insertion were examined retrospectively. The questionnaire titled “The Physical and Emotional Evaluation of Testicular Prosthesis Implanted Patients” was sent to each patient and completed surveys were received by post.

Results: Eleven pediatric patients received 18 testicular prostheses. The median age of the patients at time of the procedures was 17 years old. Eight of the patients accepted to participate the study and completed the questionnaire. All patients agreed that chance of providing the normal appearance of scrotum was important. Four patients found their prostheses improper compared to normal ones. Two patients expressed discomfort during their sexual experiences which resulted in shame in one and no effect in the other patient.

Conclusions: Emotional status of the children with testicular prostheses needs to be studied separately and in a more detailed way according to their different developmental stages. The necessary support that would be given by child and adolescent psychiatrists before and after the implantation may improve the psycho-social status of the patients. The patients and their families should be informed properly about the advantages and probable early and late psycho-social consequences of the implants.