Introduction
Losing a testicle raises questions. A big one is about sex. Can you still get an erection (get hard) without testes? Often, the answer is yes. Let’s find out why.
This article looks at testes, hormones, and erections. We explain how erections happen. We also cover what occurs if testes are removed. And we talk about helpful treatments.
What Do Testes Do?
Your testes (testicles) have two key jobs.
- Make Sperm: Sperm is needed to make babies.
- Make Testosterone: Testosterone is the main male hormone.
Testosterone affects more than just sex drive. It helps build muscle and strong bones. It controls body fat and helps make red blood cells. It also helps boys develop male traits during puberty.
Testosterone and Sex Drive
Testosterone fuels your sex drive (libido). More testosterone often means more interest in sex. This desire is usually the first step to an erection.
But testosterone isn’t just an on/off switch. Think of it like fuel for your desire. Other things are also needed for the body to make an erection.
How Does an Erection Happen? The Basics
Getting hard involves your brain, nerves, blood flow, and hormones. It works like this:
- Feeling Aroused: This starts with touch, thoughts, or sights. Your brain sends signals down your spine.
- Nerves Act: Nerves in the penis send out signals. These signals relax muscles there.
- Blood Flows In: Relaxed muscles let arteries open wide. Blood fills two chambers in the penis.
- Blood Stays Put: These full chambers press on veins. Blood can’t flow out easily. This makes the penis hard.
So, an erection is about blood flow. Nerves control it. Arousal starts it.
So, Can You Get Hard Without Testes?
Yes, you often can get an erection without testes. Here is why:
- Body Parts Still Work: Erections mainly use nerves and blood flow. The testes aren’t directly needed for this part. Nerves and blood vessels just need to be healthy.
- Other Hormone Sources: Your adrenal glands (on top of your kidneys) make a tiny bit of testosterone. It’s not much, but it’s something.
- Lower Sex Drive is the Issue: Losing both testes lowers testosterone a lot. This usually lowers your sex drive.
- No Desire, No Erection: If you don’t feel desire, you might not get aroused. Then an erection won’t happen.
- Treatment Helps: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is key for many. It brings hormone levels back up.
- TRT Boosts Desire: TRT often brings back sex drive. With desire back, erections are possible again if nerves and blood vessels are okay.
Expert View:
Dr. John Smith, a urologist, says: “The body parts for an erection – nerves and blood vessels in the penis – are still there after testes removal. The main problem is the lack of testosterone. This hormone drives sex drive. Giving testosterone back as medicine often restores the ability to get erections. This works if there are no other problems like nerve damage or poor blood flow.”
Why Might Testes Be Removed? (Orchiectomy)
A doctor might remove one or both testes for health reasons.
- Testicular Cancer: This is a top reason. Removing the testicle with cancer is often the first treatment step.
- Bad Injury: If a testicle is hurt too badly to fix.
- Bad Infection: For severe infections that won’t heal.
- Testicular Torsion: If the testicle twists and blood flow stops too long.
- Prostate Cancer: Removing both testes lowers testosterone. This can slow down some prostate cancers.
- Gender Change Surgery: For transgender women changing their bodies.
Losing just one testicle? Usually, that’s okay for erections. The other testicle often makes enough testosterone. Problems mostly happen if both testes are gone or don’t work.
Life After Losing Both Testes: Dealing with Low Testosterone
Removing both testes leads to hypogonadism. This means the body doesn’t make enough testosterone. You might feel things like:
- Low sex drive
- Trouble getting or keeping erections (Erectile Dysfunction – ED)
- Feeling tired, low energy
- Losing muscle
- Gaining body fat
- Mood changes (sad, cranky)
- Hot flashes
- Weaker bones over time
The main treatment is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT).
What is TRT?
TRT helps get testosterone back to normal levels. This can help fix many problems caused by low testosterone. Better sex drive and erections are common benefits.
How You Get TRT:
- Shots: Given every 1-2 weeks, or sometimes less often with newer types.
- Gels/Creams: Rubbed on the skin daily.
- Patches: Stuck on the skin, changed daily.
- Pellets: Tiny pellets put under the skin every few months.
- Pills: Some types exist, but older ones could affect the liver.
Good Things About TRT (Possible):
- Higher sex drive
- Easier to get erections
- More energy
- Better mood
- More muscle, stronger bones
Risks of TRT:
TRT is usually safe with a doctor’s care. But side effects can happen:
- Skin issues (from gels/patches)
- Acne
- Holding water
- May make sleep apnea worse
- Changes blood counts (needs checks)
- Note: Studies show TRT likely doesn’t raise prostate cancer risk much. But doctors still check.
Expert View:
Dr. Emily Carter, an expert on hormones, states: “TRT works very well to get testosterone back to normal after losing both testes. It helps sex drive a lot. But it affects erections differently for each man. Some get good erections with TRT alone. Others might need extra help for ED. This could be pills like Viagra or Cialis. That happens if blood flow or nerve problems also exist.”
Clinical Trials:
Research keeps looking for better TRT options. Studies also test treatments for men needing more help with erections besides TRT. (Check ClinicalTrials.gov).
Other Things That Affect Erections
Testosterone isn’t the only thing that matters for erections. Other things can cause problems too:
- Blood Flow Health: Things like high blood pressure or diabetes can hurt blood vessels. This slows blood flow to the penis.
- Nerve Health: Hurt nerves (from surgery or diabetes) block signals needed for erections.
- Mind and Mood: Stress or worry can stop arousal. Relationship problems can affect erections too.
- Medicines: Some drugs for blood pressure or depression can cause ED.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, too much alcohol, or no exercise hurt blood flow and erections.
Even with normal testosterone from TRT, these other issues can still cause ED.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q1: If I lose both testes, will I stop getting erections right away?
A: Not right away. Your body has some testosterone left. It takes time to go down. But your sex drive will likely drop fast (in weeks). Less desire makes erections less likely without TRT.
Q2: Does TRT promise I’ll get erections again?
A: TRT makes erections much more likely. It boosts sex drive. But it doesn’t promise them. If nerves are damaged or blood flow is poor, you might still have trouble. You might need other ED treatments too.
Q3: What if I only lose one testicle? Will I have problems?
A: Usually not. One healthy testicle often makes enough testosterone. Your sex drive and erections should be fine. Your doctor will check your hormone levels.
Q4: Can stress still cause ED even if I take TRT?
A: Yes. Stress, worry, or relationship troubles can cause ED anytime. It doesn’t matter what your hormone levels are. Dealing with stress is important.
Q5: Are there other ED treatments besides TRT after losing testes?
A: Yes. If TRT helps your sex drive but not erections enough, options include:
* Pills: Viagra, Cialis (help blood flow).
* Vacuum Pumps: Use suction to make an erection.
* Shots: Medicine put right into the penis.
* Implants: Devices put inside the penis during surgery.
The Bottom Line: Erections Can Happen, Care is Needed
So, yes, erections are possible without testes. The body parts for it are still there.
The main issue is low testosterone after losing both testes. This lowers sex drive. TRT is a great help for this. It raises testosterone and often helps with erections.
But other things matter too, like blood flow and stress. Talk openly with your doctor. They can check your hormones. They can discuss TRT and other ED help. This helps you stay healthy and manage your sex life.