What are the treatments?
Surgery is the most likely treatment. Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are often used as follow-up to the surgery.
Treatment is extremely effective — especially when the cancer is treated early. Your doctor may run more tests to determine which treatments are right for you. Talk with your doctor about your options, and be honest about your concerns. Make a list of questions you would like to ask at each appointment. You also may find it helpful to seek a second opinion from another specialist when deciding the best treatment for you.
Will it affect my sexuality?
Not physically. Nearly all — 99 percent — men with testicular cancer have it only in one testicle. After treatment, the remaining testicle produces all the needed hormones that affect masculinity, beard, voice, sex drive, etc. And removal of a testicle does not affect the ability to have an erection.
Some men may have a problem if they worry about their sexual performance based on their appearance. They may feel uncomfortable about the look or feel of their scrotum. They may choose to have an artificial testicle — a prosthesis — put in the scrotum. Discuss this option with your doctor if you are worried about how you will appear and feel.
The one percent of men with cancer in both testicles may take testosterone to maintain their sex drives and masculine attributes.
Will it affect my fertility?
Certain treatments may temporarily or permanently reduce fertility. If you would like to have children biologically after treatment, talk with your doctor. You may choose a treatment that is less likely to affect your fertility long-term. Or you may store some sperm in a sperm bank before treatment to use in the future to impregnate your partner if you do have fertility problems after treatment.
Where can I get more information?
American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org
1-800-ACS-2345
National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov
1-800-4-CANCER
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