Prosthetic Testicle

As one of the few men here, I can speak to this. There is a lot of male image and pride in their "package." So, growing up, he'll just want to look as "normal" as possible. So, if he's have one normal scrotum and one shriveled, empty one, even if it is just for cosmetic sake, I'd consider it. And then later, when he can understand this more, you can explain. If it isn't prohibitively expensive, I'd do it. Medically speaking, I don't think he needs it.

Good luck,
Richard

Hi Carmen. My son had the same problem. His right testicle had actually cut off circulation by twisting it around "itself". So at 8 mos he had the surgery to remove all tissue from it and they then attached the other one down! So that the same thing wouldn't happen to it as the right. So the doctor did mention putting in a "fake" testicle for cosmetic reasons. I said leave it as is. Who's gonna know but him? I'm leaving the decision up to him. If he feels he needs to have it later in life, then fine. So if I were you I wouldn't worry about it! How's the little guy doing? Good I hope!

Don't do it!! He growing too fast first off. Second, why?! He won't notice!! That's like..... if you will..... getting an infant a boob job! Right?! (sorry I have a bad sense of humor, LOL!) My son is five and has one testicle; the other twisted in development and died. I figure when he's a teen and it REALLY, REALLY bothers him, then ok. Until then he has no idea he has one and looks "different"! I would really suggest waiting! Good luck. Ds was 10 months on the surgery date and I was a wreck!!! :(

Mom to four great kids! :)

My ex-husband had a testicle removed when he was a baby because of a tumor. He's never used a prosthetic and you can't tell he only has one just by looking. I don't know if it's this way for all men, but to address what Richard said about having one side of the scrotum shriveled, that wasn't the case at all for my ex. There were very little visual signs, one side was just empty.

There does seem to be a lot of ego for men wrapped up in this part of their body, but as the mother of 4 boys who are 21, 18, 15 & 9, I can say I've worked very hard to help them feel their masculinity has nothing to do with the size or shape of their "package". Comparisons will happen, it's a normal male thing, but I think if you don't make a big deal out of this with your son, he won't consider it a big deal either. My ex never did - and it didn't matter a bit to me.

Carmen- Your son does not need a prosthetic testicle. They are for appearance sake. When he gets older, he can have the surgery to have one place, to build his confidence if anything as an adolescent.

I actually once had a boyfriend with a prosthetic testicle. I think it was pretty much for "aesthetics," and I agree with Richard, it's probably best to just go ahead with it so he doesn't feel "different." Not that there's anything wrong with different, but I'd probably do it. I must mention though that I'm pretty sure my boyfriend only had the surgery once. His prosthetic was smaller than the real one. Make sure your son doesn't use it as an excuse to tell girls that he's sterile! I got that line and was very lucky!!

hi carmen. i think i responded to you before when you asked about the original surgery because my son went through it too. Ouor doctor mentioned prior to his how there was a possibility of what you were talking about. Luckily my son's was functionable but he did mention the whole prosthetic. I personally don't think it is necessary. Do they need the smaller one in place in order to have a normal sized one in the future? I just wouldn't put him through that if not necessary. That's just my opinion and i think if i was in the same situation, i would opt against it. Hope that helps.

Personally I think that if it can be addressed at a later point (like as he nears puberty perhaps), then there might not really be a need to put him through another surgery now. If there is some reason that it would need to be done now, in order to accomodate a larger one later, then that might make your decision different.

My husband has one smaller testicle, as it descended later than the other one. He suggests that it would really depend on how much smaller the one side will be, and that if it is considerably smaller than the healthy one, he would say that you should have it done. While has never received any criticism, he has been self-conscious of it. However, it has never bothered me and we have two beautiful children without any difficulty. Then again, the one side is not hugely disportionate from the other, and it sounds like there will be more difference between them with your son.

Not an easy decision to make, I am sure. Best of luck!

I would be very cautious to have an operation that was not needed. Every surgery has the possibility of complications. He is so.... young.

Best Wishes!

I'm sorry, I don't have any specific experience with this... but I share Richard's opinion.

If not putting the prosthetic in now will somehow prevent the ability to do so later, then definitely do it so that when he is a teen, he has the option and doesn't feel embarrassed or different. Hopefully the post-puberty prosthetic testicle is not only natural looking, but feels natural as well.

Since it is cosmetic though, the cost is likely to have to come out of your pocket entirely. that can be an oucher... maybe use your economic stimulus check, and send a thank you note to the president - ha! :) sorry... just trying to make ya smile :)

I hope your little guy will be ok, whatever you choose.

Happy Mother's Day :)