Posted by Kevin on May 08, 1999 at 22:58:58
My son was born without testicles. (Not undescended.) He is now thirteen and is extremely interested in looking normal, so he has been asking about the possibility of testicular implants or testicular prosthesis. From what I have gathered on the internet and from our local urologist, this cannot be done in the US since the silicone implants have been removed from the market. Saline ones are available, but outside the US. Does anyone know if/when this will be available in the US?
Posted by HFHS M.D.-SAL on May 10, 1999 at 12:58:03
Dear Kevin,
The only company that I know that is working on a testis prosthesis is the Mentor Corporation. They are planning to bring a saline filled one to market in approximately a year’s time. You might consider contacting a Canadian or Mexican urologist (the two closest foreign countries) as these are available in these countries. I would contact a major university teaching hospital. Prostheses of this type have been available in several sizes. Thus, with growth larger sizes need to be placed/replaced. The later in the course of development that you start, the less procedures required. This of course does not address the emotional issues.
As your son has anorchia (absence of testis- which needs to be surgically demonstrated) he needs hormone replacement. This should be managed by a pediatric endocrinologist.
This information is provided for general medical information purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available through our department at the Henry Ford Hospital and its suburban locations (I-800-653-6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-SAL
*keyword: testis prosthesis, anorchia
