Testicular prostheses: body image and sexual functioning.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate retrospectively the body image and sexual functioning in patients who have a testicular prosthesis (TP).


METHODS
The medical charts were evaluated for 30 adult patients who received 32 TPs between 1985 and 1997. A questionnaire was mailed to each patient, asking about body image, satisfaction with the implant and with sexual functioning.


RESULTS
Of the 30 patients, 22 (73%) replied; their mean (range) age was 30 (18-47) years. Most of the patients had a silicone gel-filled TP. No complications were reported in 25 (83%) patients and 80% reported no sexual problems; 20% felt uncomfortable in intimate contacts, 68% found their body image improved after having a TP, 58% were satisfied with their current sexual life, 90% had no erectile dysfunction and 45% reported premature ejaculation.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients who have lost a testis for any reason should be informed about the availability of a TP. Prostheses were well accepted and no systemic disease was reported. Almost all patients reported an improvement in their body image. Sexual life and performance were apparently not compromised by having a TP. New surgical procedures are recommended to improve the cosmetic appearance of a TP in the scrotum.
Incrocci
L
L
Department of Urology, University Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.incrocci@rtdh.azr.nl
Bosch
J L
JL
Slob
A K
AK
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000523:psychology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D013737:Testis