Testicular prostheses: body image and sexual functioning

Objectives To evaluate retrospectively the body image and sexual functionin g in patients who have a testicular prosthesis (TP). Patients and methods The medical charts were evaluated for 30 adult patient s who received 32 TPs between 1985 and 1997. A questionnaire was mailed to each patient, asking about body image, satisfaction with the implant and wi th 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 compl ications were reported in 25 (83%) patients and 80% reported no sexual prob lems; 20% felt uncomfortable in intimate contacts, 68% found their body ima ge improved after having a TP, 58% were satisfied with their current sexual life, 90% had no erectile dysfunction and 45% reported premature ejaculati on. Conclusions Patients who have lost a testis for any reason should be inform ed about the availability of a TP. Prostheses were well accepted and no sys temic disease was reported. Almost all patients reported an improvement in their body image. Sexual life and performance were apparently not compromis ed by having a TP. New surgical procedures are recommended to improve the c osmetic appearance of a TP in the scrotum.