Will sexual function be restored after testicular removal?

Partial sexual function can usually be preserved after orchiectomy, but sexual desire and erectile function may be affected to varying degrees. The specific performance is related to factors such as the reason for surgery, postoperative hormone replacement therapy, and psychological state.

Most patients who have unilateral orchiectomy and retain healthy testicles can still maintain normal testosterone secretion and sexual function. Loss of sexual desire or difficulty in erection may occur in the short term after surgery. As the body adapts and hormone levels stabilize, function can gradually recover. Bilateral orchiectomy will cause a sharp drop in testosterone levels, requiring long-term dependence on exogenous hormone replacement therapy to maintain sexual desire and secondary sexual characteristics. After standardized medication, some patients can recover their erectile function through psychological adjustment and drug assistance, but the semen volume will be significantly reduced or there will be no semen discharge.

A small number of patients suffer from surgical damage to pelvic nerves and blood vessels or suffer from severe psychological disorders after surgery, which may lead to persistent erectile dysfunction. When patients with prostate cancer undergo castration surgery, if adjacent nerve tissue is removed at the same time, the probability of recovering erectile function is low. Those who do not receive hormone replacement therapy promptly after surgery may develop symptoms of low androgen such as osteoporosis and hot flashes, which will further affect the quality of sexual life.

It is recommended to monitor hormone levels regularly after surgery and adjust drug dosage under the guidance of a doctor. Psychological counseling can be combined to improve sexual and psychological status, and auxiliary drugs such as phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors can be used if necessary. Maintaining moderate exercise can help improve pelvic floor muscle function and systemic blood circulation. Your partner's understanding and cooperation are particularly important for sexual function recovery.