Orchidectomy in Turkey | Testicular removal, Indications & Results 2025

Orchidectomy: What does it involve?

It is a surgical procedure involving the removal of one or both testicles. It can be performed for medical or personal reasons and comes in two forms.

• Unilateral orchiectomy: Only one testicle is removed.
• Bilateral orchiectomy: Both testicles are removed.

The procedure can be performed via two approaches:

• Scrotal: More rarely used for cancerous pathologies.
• Inguinal: More frequent and recommended in cases of suspected cancer.

The surgical procedure consists of ligating the vas deferens and blood vessels, removing the epididymis, and extracting the testicle. The operation is performed under general or spinal anesthesia and lasts less than an hour on average.

Risk factors for testicular cancer

Although testicular cancer is rare, some men are at greater risk than others. Identifying these factors can lead to increased vigilance and earlier diagnosis, greatly improving the chances of a cure.

The main known risk factors are:

• Undescended testicle (Cryptorchidism): This is a testicle that has not migrated into the scrotum before or shortly after birth.
• Personal history of testicular cancer.
• Male infertility, although the link has yet to be fully elucidated.
• Chromosomal or hormonal abnormalities, such as Klinefelter's syndrome or other hormonal imbalances.
• In utero exposure to certain hormonal substances or endocrine disruptors.
• Age and ethnic origin: Young men, aged between 15 and 35, are more common among Caucasian men than among men of other ethnicities.

Testicular tumors can progress rapidly and metastasize if not detected early. Fortunately, the chances of recovery are very high with early diagnosis.

Be on the lookout for any changes in your testicles, such as lumps, pain, heaviness, or changes in size. Self-examination once a month and regular consultations with a urologist, especially if there are risk factors, can make all the difference.

In Turkey, specialized teams provide discreet and effective support for checkups, diagnoses, and customized treatments.

Why might I need an orchidectomy?

An orchiectomy is considered when a pathology seriously compromises the organ's integrity. While it's never harmless, it's sometimes the best option for preserving the patient's overall health.

The main causes that may justify this operation are:

Testicular cancer: the most common cause

Testicular cancer primarily affects young men between the ages of 15 and 35. It develops from the germ cells responsible for sperm production. When a tumor is detected, removing the affected testicle is often the first recommended treatment to stop the progression of the disease.

Severe infections or testicular abscesses

Sometimes, a severe infection that does not respond to antibiotics may require an orchiectomy. This prevents the infection from spreading to the rest of the body.

Testicular trauma

In rare cases, a violent shock or direct injury can cause irreversible damage to the testicle. If function cannot be preserved, removal becomes necessary.

Preparing for testicle removal in Turkey

Your care in Turkey always begins with a personalized consultation with a urologist or surgeon. During this appointment, you will be informed about:

• The nature of the disease and the reasons for the operation.
• How the operation will be carried out.
• Any additional treatments that may be required, depending on the biopsy results.
• The option of a testicular prosthesis (silicone, for aesthetic purposes).

You will have the opportunity to ask questions in a friendly atmosphere and decide on the date of the operation together.

In some cases, orchiectomy can impair fertility. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you have your sperm preserved before the operation, especially if you are planning to become a father. This involves collecting and freezing your sperm in a laboratory.

Would you like help planning your surgery in Turkey, or have questions for an experienced urologist? A free remote consultation with one of our expert specialists is available.

Testicular cancer care in Turkey

Testicular cancer care in Turkey is based on rigorous medical protocols that combine state-of-the-art technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and personalized support.

Precise diagnosis

The process begins with a clinical assessment and additional examinations:

• Testicular ultrasound.
• Blood tests for tumor markers (AFP, beta-hCG, and LDH) are also performed.
• An MRI or CT scan is performed if necessary to check for metastases.

Our partner clinics in Turkey provide rapid care so that no time is lost in cancer treatment.

Personalized treatment

The treatment strategy is always tailored to the patient's profile and the stage of the disease:

• The first step is often orchidectomy, or the removal of the affected testicle.
• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy is used if cancer cells remain or if the cancer has spread.
• In some cases, active surveillance, or regular follow-up, is all that's required after surgery.

All decisions are made through multidisciplinary consultations between urologists, oncologists, and radiologists.

Comprehensive, reassuring assistance

Specialized clinics in Turkey provide patients with comprehensive support before, during, and after treatment:

• Sperm preservation can be used to preserve fertility before chemotherapy.
• Psychological and emotional support.
• Nutritional support adapted to oncology treatments.
• Testicular prosthesis for aesthetic and psychological purposes.

Medical coordinators are available to assist patients at every stage of treatment, including those from other countries.

The testicular removal process in Turkey

Orchidectomy is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia to ensure optimal comfort throughout the operation. The surgeon makes a discreet incision in the groin, not the scrotum, to remove the affected testicle while preserving the surrounding structures.

At the patient's request, a silicone testicular implant can be placed in the scrotum for aesthetic purposes. This option is fully customizable and can be discussed with the surgeon in advance. While the implant does not have the exact consistency of a natural testicle, it can help maintain a positive body image.

Turquie Santé provides access to a network of state-of-the-art clinics and urologists who specialize in oncology. Our surgeons are internationally trained and use techniques that minimize the risk of complications, particularly nerve damage, while preserving ejaculatory function.

Each patient receives personalized support from the initial consultation through post-operative follow-up.

Need more information or a personalized quote? Our teams are here to help you find the best treatment options for testicular cancer in Turkey. Contact us today for a free specialist opinion and a personalized, no-obligation quote.

What are the possible side effects of an orchiectomy?

As with any surgical procedure, orchiectomy carries certain postoperative risks. Although rare, possible side effects include:

• Infection at the incision site.
• Pain or bleeding.
• Appearance of a hematoma (accumulation of blood).
• Hot flashes, especially after bilateral orchiectomy.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation.
• Fertility problems.
• Decreased libido.
• Weight gain linked to hormonal decline.

If you experience any unusual symptoms after your surgery, consult your surgeon or urologist in Turkey as soon as possible. A prompt evaluation can help alleviate any side effects and adjust your care, such as hormone treatment or psychological support.

Consequences of orchidectomy on sexuality and hormones

Although having a testicle removed may seem like an ordeal, it's important to remember that this surgery is often necessary for treating serious conditions. The better informed you are, the better prepared you'll be to get through this stage with peace of mind.

Whether unilateral or bilateral, orchiectomy can impact the patient's hormonal and sexual life in various ways. It's important to be aware of these effects so you can be better prepared and receive appropriate support.

When only one testicle is removed (unilateral orchiectomy),the remaining testicle usually produces enough testosterone and sperm. In most cases, libido remains intact, sexual function is preserved, and fertility is not affected. No hormonal treatment is required, and quality of life remains high.

However, with bilateral orchiectomy, the removal of both testicles, the body no longer produces testosterone naturally. This leads to irreversible sterility, a significant decrease in libido, and physical changes, such as loss of muscle mass, fatigue, and weight gain. Hot flashes, mood disorders, and reduced bone density may also occur.

In such cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is recommended to compensate for the absence of testosterone and maintain a high quality of life, as well as energy and vitality. A specialist prescribes and adjusts it according to individual needs.