Testicle removal (orchidectomy)
An operation to remove a testicle, most often through a cut in the groin, used mainly to diagnose and treat a suspected testicular cancer.
✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review
In short
- Removing the whole testicle gives an accurate diagnosis of a testicular lump — far better than a small biopsy, which could miss a cancer.
- If the other testicle is healthy, one testicle is usually enough for normal fertility, erections and testosterone, though a minority of men develop low testosterone over time.
- Sperm storage is offered before treatment, as later chemotherapy or radiotherapy can affect fertility.
- Removing the testicle is sometimes the only treatment needed, but pathology results (usually within about two weeks) decide whether anything further is required.
A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.
At a glance
A general guide. Your surgeon will give you advice for your situation.
Gives an accurate diagnosis of a testicular lump, which a small biopsy could miss
The lump is very likely benign on assessment, where the team may consider testis-sparing surgery or monitoring instead of full removal.
Expect scrotal swelling and bruising and some discomfort, helped by simple painkillers and supportive underwear. Keep the wound clean and dry.
Sperm storage arranged before any treatment that could affect fertility.
Expect scrotal swelling and bruising and some discomfort, helped by simple painkillers and supportive underwear...
Bruising settles and you can do light activities. Stitches are absorbable and usually disappear within two to...
You attend a follow-up appointment to discuss the pathology results and whether any further treatment is needed.
Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least a month to let the groin wound heal fully.
What is testicle removal (orchidectomy)?
An orchidectomy is an operation to remove a testicle. In the UK, national guidance recommends that a non-painful lump, swelling or a change in the shape or texture of a testicle is checked quickly, usually with an urgent specialist referral and an ultrasound scan. When a lump or scan suggests testicular cancer, the usual operation is a radical orchidectomy, in which the whole testicle and its cord are removed through a cut in the groin (not the scrotum). Removing the entire testicle, rather than taking a small biopsy, allows the tissue to be examined fully and gives an accurate diagnosis — a small biopsy could miss or underestimate a cancer.
For most men with testicular cancer, removing the affected testicle is an important first step and is sometimes the only treatment needed. In other cases, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or further surgery may be advised once the results are known. An orchidectomy is occasionally done for other reasons, such as a non-functioning or painful testicle, or as part of treatment for advanced prostate cancer.
If only one testicle is removed and the other is healthy, most men keep normal fertility, erections and testosterone levels. Because cancer treatments can affect fertility, men are usually offered the chance to store sperm before treatment. A testicular implant can be put in at the same operation or later if you wish.
Types & techniques
There isn't one single operation. The right approach depends on you — which is something to discuss with your surgeon.
Why remove the whole testicle rather than biopsy?
| Approach | What it gives | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Full removal (radical) | Accurate diagnosis | A small sample could miss cancer |
| Groin (inguinal) cut | Safe handling of the cord | Lowers risk of spreading cancer |
| Implant option | Natural appearance | Can be done now or later |
| Sperm storage first | Protects future fertility | Treatment can affect sperm |
For a suspected cancer, the cancer team plans the operation. This table explains common reasons for the standard approach.
Preparing for your surgery
- See the surgeon (a urologist), who will explain the operation, confirm which side is affected and discuss a testicular implant if you want one.
- You will usually be offered sperm storage before surgery, as treatment can affect fertility; it is best done beforehand so sperm can be collected at surgery if needed.
- Tell the team about all medicines, especially blood thinners, which may need pausing.
- Have a pre-operative assessment to check your general health before an anaesthetic.
- Stop smoking beforehand if you can, as this lowers the risk of complications.
- Arrange a lift home and have comfortable supportive underwear ready for afterwards.
- Plan to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for at least a month.
What happens
An orchidectomy for suspected cancer is usually done under a general anaesthetic (sometimes a spinal anaesthetic), often as a day case or with one night in hospital.
The surgeon makes a cut in the groin, removes the testicle along with its cord, and closes the wound with stitches that usually dissolve over two to three weeks. The team may take a small biopsy of the other testicle if it looks abnormal on the scan, but this is discussed with you first. If you have chosen a testicular implant, it is normally placed through the same cut, unless there has been a lot of bleeding or difficulty, in which case it can be done later.
The operation itself usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes. The removed testicle is sent to the laboratory, and the results, usually available within about two weeks, guide any further treatment.
Is this operation right for me?
A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.
May not be suitable if…
- The lump is very likely benign on assessment, where the team may consider testis-sparing surgery or monitoring instead of full removal.
- Your general health makes an anaesthetic too risky without first being optimised.
- You have an active infection that should be treated before planned (non-urgent) surgery.
- An implant may not be advisable at the same time if there is heavy bleeding or a high infection risk, in which case it can be placed later.
Delay surgery if…
- You wish to store sperm and this has not yet been arranged (best done before treatment).
- You have an active infection or unstable health that should be addressed first.
- Blood-thinning medicines need pausing or adjusting before surgery.
- You need more time to understand the diagnosis and the implant decision — though for suspected cancer, surgery is usually time-critical and should not be delayed unduly.
- Practical support for the early recovery has not been arranged.
Alternatives to discuss
- Testis-sparing (partial) surgery in very selected small or likely-benign lesions.
- Active surveillance for certain benign-appearing lumps after specialist assessment.
- Hormone (testosterone-lowering) injections instead of surgical removal in some prostate cancer situations.
- No implant, or an implant placed later, depending on your preference.
- Second specialist opinion if the diagnosis or plan is uncertain.
Before you decide
Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.
What matters most to me?
Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.
What are all my options?
Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.
What would make me pause?
Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.
What happens if I do nothing today?
For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.
Anaesthetic choices
The safest option depends on the operation, your health, the facility and your surgeon/anaesthetist. Ask what is planned and why.
Benefits
- Gives an accurate diagnosis of a testicular lump, which a small biopsy could miss
- Removes the cancer-containing testicle and can be the only treatment some men need
- Reduces the risk of the cancer spreading from that testicle
- Allows the cancer team to plan any further treatment based on clear results
- A testicular implant can restore the natural appearance if you wish
Risks & complications
- Swelling and bruising of the scrotum, which almost all men get and which settles over days
- Discomfort that is usually controlled with simple painkillers such as paracetamol
- A wound in the groin that needs to heal
- Some dissatisfaction with the cosmetic result, especially if an implant is placed
- A hospital-acquired infection (including MRSA or C. difficile), reported at around 4–6% for urological surgery
- Wound infection needing further treatment, and, if an implant was placed, possible removal of it
- Loss of fertility as a result of surgery and any further treatment such as chemotherapy
- Finding that the testicle did not contain cancer after all, once examined
- Needing additional treatment such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or further surgery
- Pain, infection, bleeding or leakage from an implant needing further treatment
- Unknown long-term risks from silicone implant materials
- Anaesthetic or heart and circulation problems, including clots, which very rarely can be life-threatening
- Low testosterone (hypogonadism) developing over time, reported in roughly 10–20% of men after testicular cancer
The most important things to discuss are protecting your fertility (sperm storage before any treatment), what the pathology results might mean for further treatment, and the choice about a testicular implant. With one healthy testicle most men keep normal hormone levels, but a minority develop low testosterone over time and should have this checked if symptoms occur. Tell your surgeon about any blood thinners and ask about their experience and results.
Published figures to discuss
The risks and likely outcome depend on the reason for surgery, the type and stage of any cancer, your general health and whether an implant is placed. The frequencies below come from UK (BAUS) patient information and published reviews and are presented as ranges rather than exact figures for any one person.
| Figure | Reported range | How to interpret it | Source / confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital-acquired infection | Around 4–6% for urological surgery | Includes MRSA or C. difficile; higher in certain high-risk patients (e.g. long hospital stays, catheters). | Hypogonadism in testicular cancer survivors — systematic review (PMC)ncbi.nlm.nih.govPublished figure |
| Dissatisfaction with cosmetic result after an implant | About 1 in 5 (20%) | An implant may sit higher or feel different from the natural testicle; discuss expectations beforehand. | Hypogonadism in testicular cancer survivors — systematic review (PMC)ncbi.nlm.nih.govPublished figure |
| Low testosterone (hypogonadism) over time | Roughly 10–20% after testicular cancer | With one healthy testicle most men keep normal levels; symptoms warrant a blood test. | Hypogonadism in testicular cancer survivors — systematic review (PMC)ncbi.nlm.nih.govPublished figure |
These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.
Recovery — what to expect, and when
Recovery from an orchidectomy is usually quick. Most men go home the same day or after one night and are back to light activity within a week or two, avoiding heavy lifting for about a month while the wound heals.
- Scrotal swelling and bruising for several days
- Mild to moderate discomfort eased by simple painkillers
- A groin wound with dissolving stitches that disappear in two to three weeks
- Tiredness for a short while after surgery
- Waiting around two weeks for the pathology results
Aftercare
- Wear supportive underwear (or a scrotal support if advised) to ease discomfort, unless you have had an implant.
- Take simple painkillers such as paracetamol as needed.
- Keep the wound clean and dry and follow advice on showering.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least a month.
- Do not drive until you are comfortable, in control and safe to do an emergency stop.
- Attend the follow-up appointment to discuss your results and any further treatment.
- Watch for signs of infection or a clot and know who to contact if you are worried.
- Supportive underwear ready
- Simple painkillers at home
- Sperm storage arranged before treatment if relevant
- Time off work booked (about 1–2 weeks)
- Lift home arranged
- Follow-up/results appointment understood
- Clinic's contact number saved for problems
Scars and how they heal
There is a scar in the groin where the testicle is removed (or in the scrotum for a simple orchidectomy). The stitches are usually absorbable and disappear within two to three weeks. The scar is firm and pink at first and fades over months. Protecting it from strong sun helps it settle.
⚠ Get urgent help if…
- Increasing redness, heat, swelling or discharge from the wound (possible infection)
- A fever or feeling generally unwell after surgery
- Severe or worsening pain, or a rapidly enlarging, very tense scrotal swelling (possible bleeding)
- Calf pain or swelling, or sudden breathlessness or chest pain (possible clot — seek urgent help)
- Heavy bleeding or soaking of dressings
- Difficulty passing urine or new lower abdominal pain
Who to contact: your surgeon or clinic first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your surgeon gives you.
Results & realistic expectations
For a suspected testicular cancer, a good result means the lump has been removed and accurately diagnosed, which allows the cancer team to plan the best next steps. Removing the testicle is sometimes the only treatment needed, but it cannot guarantee a cure on its own — the pathology results, usually back within about two weeks, decide whether radiotherapy, chemotherapy or further surgery is advised, and ongoing follow-up is important.
If the other testicle is healthy, most men keep normal fertility, erections and testosterone. A minority develop low testosterone over time and may need monitoring or treatment.
Removing a testicle is permanent. Where the testicle contained cancer, long-term outcomes depend on the type and stage and on any further treatment, with regular follow-up scans and blood tests to watch for recurrence. With one healthy testicle, hormone production is usually maintained for life, but because around 1 in 10 to 1 in 5 men develop low testosterone over the years after testicular cancer, it is worth having this checked if you develop symptoms such as low energy, low mood or reduced sex drive.
Combining with other procedures
For suspected cancer, the orchidectomy is the first step and other treatment, if needed, follows once results are known rather than being done at the same time. A testicular implant and, occasionally, a biopsy of the other testicle may be carried out during the same operation, both discussed with you beforehand.
Follow-up & long-term care
You will have a follow-up appointment, usually within about two weeks, to discuss the pathology results and any further treatment. If you have cancer, the team arranges a programme of follow-up scans and tumour-marker blood tests. Report any wound problems, swelling, fever or clot symptoms promptly.
- Attend all cancer follow-up appointments, scans and blood tests as arranged.
- Have your testosterone checked if you develop symptoms of low hormone levels over time.
- Use stored sperm or see a fertility specialist if you wish to have children and fertility has been affected.
- Learn to check the remaining testicle and report any new lump promptly.
Revision and secondary surgery reality
- If an implant becomes infected, painful or leaks, it may need removal or replacement in a further operation.
- An implant can be placed at a later date if it was not advisable at the first operation.
- Pathology results may show that further treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy or more surgery) is needed.
- Occasionally the testicle is found not to contain cancer once examined.
Ask your surgeon for their own revision rate, what counts as a revision, and what is included in the written aftercare policy.
What good aftercare looks like
- Sperm storage arranged before any treatment that could affect fertility.
- A clear follow-up plan with pathology results, scans and tumour-marker blood tests.
- A named contact and a number to call for wound, bleeding or clot concerns.
- Monitoring of testosterone and prompt assessment of any symptoms of low hormone levels.
- Advice on checking the remaining testicle and reporting any new lump.
What affects the cost
Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:
- The surgeon's fee and the anaesthetist's fee
- Theatre and hospital facility charges, and whether you stay overnight
- Whether a testicular implant is placed and the cost of the implant
- Sperm storage and any fertility services
- Pathology (laboratory) examination of the testicle
- Follow-up appointments, scans and tumour-marker blood tests
- Any further treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, costed separately
- The surgeon's fee and the anaesthetist's fee
- Theatre, any overnight stay and any implant used
- Sperm storage costs and any fertility services
- Pathology testing and how results are given
- Follow-up appointments, scans and blood tests
- The cancellation policy
- What happens, and who pays, if further treatment or a complication arises
On the NHS? Testicle removal for suspected cancer is provided on the NHS as standard, time-critical cancer care; private care is sometimes used for a shorter wait, choice of surgeon or a second opinion.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including aftercare and any revision — before you decide.
Consent traps and marketing red flags
These are not small details. They are often where patients lose choice, time to reflect, or realistic expectations.
Consent traps
- Not being offered sperm storage before treatment that could affect fertility.
- No clear discussion of the testicular implant and its pros, cons and cosmetic limits.
- Not being told about the chance of low testosterone developing over time.
- No explanation that further treatment may be needed once results are back.
- Failure to explain that the other testicle may be biopsied if it looks abnormal.
Marketing red flags
- Suggesting a small biopsy alone is adequate for a suspicious testicular lump.
- Promising a 'perfect' cosmetic result from a testicular implant.
- Downplaying the possibility of needing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or further surgery.
- Not discussing fertility preservation before treatment.
- Implying removal alone guarantees a cure regardless of type or stage.
Choosing a surgeon safely
- Check your surgeon is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
- Make sure they practise at a CQC-registered location, and look for membership of bodies like BAAPS or BAPRAS.
- You're entitled to a two-stage consent process with time to reflect (a cooling-off period). The surgeon who will operate must consent you — not a salesperson.
- Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers, discounts or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
- You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including aftercare and any revision — before you decide.
Questions to ask your medical professional
Take this to your consultation. A good surgeon will welcome every one of these.
- What do my scans and blood tests suggest, and is removing the testicle the right step?
- Should I store sperm before surgery, and how do I arrange it?
- Would you recommend a testicular implant, and what are the pros and cons for me?
- Will you need to biopsy the other testicle, and why?
- What are the chances I will need further treatment after the results?
- How and when will my testosterone and fertility be checked afterwards?
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
- Will you be the surgeon who carries out my operation, and who looks after me afterwards?
- What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
- What does a realistic result look like — and what can this operation not achieve?
- What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
- Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
- What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?
Frequently asked questions
Is testicle removal available on the NHS?
Will losing a testicle affect my sex life or fertility?
Can I have an implant so it looks normal?
Why remove the whole testicle instead of taking a biopsy?
Is the operation the only treatment I will need?
Will my testosterone drop?
Find a verified surgeon for testicle removal (orchidectomy)
Every consultant is GMC-checked and independently reviewed. Search by postcode and distance, or switch to a map. Ordered by rating, relevance and recency — never by who pays.
No verified consultants list this procedure yet — browse the full directory.
How we made this page
Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →
Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.
Sources & standards: BAUS — Radical orchidectomy (patient leaflet) BAUS — Simple orchidectomy (patient leaflet) Macmillan — Surgery for testicular cancer Cancer Research UK — Removing a testicle (orchidectomy) Hypogonadism in testicular cancer survivors — systematic review (PMC) NICE NG12 — Suspected cancer: recognition and referral (testicular cancer)
Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.
Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.
Related guides: Circumcision (adult) · Hydrocele repair · Epididymal cyst removal · Varicocele treatment · Bladder cancer surgery (cystectomy)