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What causes a missing testicle?

Testicle overview

The testicles are two oval-shaped organs contained in a sack of skin
below the penis called the scrotum. Testicles form and mature sperm and make and release male sex hormones.

Testicular trauma or testicular disorders can lead to hormone imbalance and infertility and can negatively impact confidence and self-esteem.1,2,3

What are the reasons for testicle removal?

Testicle removal, or orchiectomy, may occur as a result of:4

Testicular cancer

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Testicular trauma

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Testicular torsion

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Undescended testicle

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Icon of man in pain due to Peyronie's disease

Born without a testicle

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Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer affecting males aged 15 to 34.5

The most common primary treatment is orchiectomy, the surgical removal of one or both testicles.1

Testicular cancer and testicular replacement

Testicular trauma

Testicular trauma occurs when a testicle is injured by penetrating or blunt force such as an accidental kick to the scrotum, causing the testicle to tear or resulting in the loss of the whole testicle.6

Testicular trauma and testicular replacement

Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion occurs when the tissues around the testicle are not attached well causing the testicles to twist around the spermatic cord. This twisting reduces blood flow to the testicle and can result in removal of one or both testicles.2

Testicular torsion and testicular replacement

Undescended testicle

An undescended testicle is when one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum and remain in the abdomen causing the scrotum to look and feel empty. If the testicle does not descend on its own, surgery is typically needed to either move the testicle into the scrotum or to remove the testicle.7,8

Undescended testicle and testicular replacement

Born without a testicle

Anorchia, or being born without a testicle, affects one in 20,000 male births. For those born without a testicle, there is an implant available to help create the look, feel and shape of the scrotum.9,10

Born without a testicle and testicular implant

Things to consider when facing testicular loss

If you have had or expect to have one or both of your testicles removed (typically done through a procedure called an orchiectomy), there are many things to consider:1

1

Testosterone level impact

2

Fertility and family planning

3

Testicular implants

Testicular implants

Following testicle removal, or in the absence of a testicle, you may be worried about the cosmetic effect of missing a testicle, but there is hope. A testicular implant can help you maintain the look, feel and shape of your scrotum.10

Learn more about testicular implants

Find a specialist

Explore our physician directory to find a local qualified urologist who specializes in men’s health and testicular replacement. They can explain your treatment options, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward restoring your health.

Find a physician
References

1 Testicular Cancer. Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/t/testicular-cancer. Accessed August 2024.

2 Testicular Torsion. Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/testicular-torsion. Accessed August 2024.

3 Clifford TG, Burg ML, Hu B, Loh-Doyle J, Hugen CM, Cai J, Djaladat H, Wayne K, Daneshmand S. Satisfaction With Testicular Prosthesis After Radical Orchiectomy. Urology. 2018 Apr;114:128-132.

4 Bodiwala D, Summerton DJ, Terry TR. Testicular prostheses: development and modern usage. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2007 May;89(4):349-53.

5 Testicular Cancer in Children. Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/t/testicular-cancer-in-children. Accessed August 2024.

6 Testicular Trauma. Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/t/testicular-trauma. Accessed August 2024.

7 Undescended Testicles (Cryptorchidism). Urology Care Foundation. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/undescended-testicles-(cryptorchidism). Accessed August 2024.

8 Kolon TF, Herndon CD, Baker LA, Baskin LS, Baxter CG, Cheng EY, Diaz M, Lee PA, Seashore CJ, Tasian GE, Barthold JS; American Urological Assocation. Evaluation and treatment of cryptorchidism: AUA guideline. J Urol. 2014 Aug;192(2):337-45.

9 Brauner R, Neve M, Allali S, Trivin C, Lottmann H, Bashamboo A, McElreavey K. Clinical, biological and genetic analysis of anorchia in 26 boys. PLoS One. 2011;6(8):e23292.

10 Data on file at Coloplast.

PM-33597