Prof. Dr. Emel Akoğlu
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Andrology & Men's Health
Orchiectomy
What orchiectomy is, how simple, radical inguinal and subcapsular operations differ, why it is done for testicular cancer, prostate cancer, injury or gender-affirming care, how it compares with hormone injections, approximate costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, anaesthesia, recovery weeks, testicular prosthesis, fertility and hormone effects.
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Prof. Dr. Zerrin Biçik Bahçebaşı
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Orchiectomy in Turkey: what it is and why it is done
Orchiectomy (also called orchidectomy) is the surgical removal of one testicle (unilateral) or both (bilateral). It is carried out for four main reasons: testicular cancer, where removal of the affected testicle is both the diagnosis and the first treatment; advanced prostate cancer, where removing the source of testosterone slows the disease; serious injury, torsion or infection that has destroyed a testicle; and, in a different context, gender-affirming care. It is a short operation, usually under an hour, but it is permanent and it affects hormones, so the decision deserves a careful conversation with a urologist or oncologist before you travel.
This guide explains the types of orchiectomy, what each is used for, what it costs in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany, what recovery looks like, and what to ask a clinic. For other men's health and urological care see our page on urology treatments in Turkey.
Simple, radical inguinal or subcapsular orchiectomy: which type do I need?
The type depends on the reason for surgery. A radical inguinal orchiectomy is used when cancer is suspected: the surgeon makes a cut in the groin, brings the testicle up through the inguinal canal and removes it together with the spermatic cord. Going through the groin rather than the scrotum is deliberate, because it lowers the chance of spreading cancer cells. A simple (scrotal) orchiectomy is a cut in the scrotum and is used for non-cancer reasons, such as a dead testicle after torsion or severe infection, and for gender-affirming surgery. A subcapsular orchiectomy removes the hormone-producing tissue and leaves the outer shell, which is sometimes chosen in prostate cancer when appearance matters to the patient.
Your doctor should tell you which one applies and why, and what the pathology report will examine.
Orchiectomy for testicular cancer: what does it achieve?
Most testicular cancers are found as a lump or swelling that is usually not painful. Cancer Research UK and the NHS both note that surgery is the standard first step and, for many men with early disease, the only treatment needed, since the outlook for testicular cancer is generally good. The removed testicle is examined to confirm the cancer type, which guides decisions about scans, further surveillance, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Because treatment can affect fertility, men who might want children are usually offered sperm banking before the operation. Ask your oncologist whether this is advisable for you; it must be done before surgery or chemotherapy begins.
If you have a newly found testicular lump, do not delay for a trip abroad. A prompt assessment, ultrasound and blood tests locally come first; travelling for the operation only makes sense once the diagnosis and plan are clear.
Is orchiectomy used for prostate cancer, and how does it compare with hormone injections?
Prostate cancer cells are often driven by testosterone, and most of that hormone is made in the testicles. Removing them cuts testosterone quickly. The alternative is medical castration with regular injections or implants (LHRH agonists or antagonists) that switch off testosterone production without surgery. The NHS and EAU guidelines treat both as valid, and the choice is a trade-off between a one-time operation and an ongoing medication.
| Option | Suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Bilateral orchiectomy | Men who prefer a single procedure and no repeat injections | Permanent and irreversible; body-image impact |
| LHRH injections or implants | Men who want a reversible approach or intermittent therapy | Lifelong schedule of appointments and costs; initial hormone flare |
| Prostate surgery or radiotherapy | Localised disease with curative intent | Different aims; see our prostatectomy guide |
Orchiectomy is cheaper over the long run, but it cannot be reversed, which is why many men start with injections and surgery is reserved for those who prefer it.
How is an orchiectomy performed?
The operation is done under general anaesthesia, spinal anaesthesia or, in some cases, local anaesthesia with sedation. You are positioned lying down, the area is cleaned and the surgeon makes either a groin incision (radical) or a small incision in the scrotum (simple). The testicle is freed, the spermatic cord is tied and cut, and the testicle is removed. In a radical operation the cord is followed up to the internal ring. The wound is closed with dissolving stitches and a dressing. Operating time is usually 30 to 60 minutes.
A testicular prosthesis (an implant that restores the look and feel of the scrotum) can be placed at the same time or later; see the page on the testicular prosthesis. In cancer cases some surgeons prefer to place it in a second operation once the pathology is known.
Orchiectomy cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The figures below are approximate ranges for the operation itself, not hospital quotes. They depend on the type of operation, the anaesthesia, the length of stay and whether tests and a prosthesis are included. Each hospital confirms its own price in a written quote.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €1,500 – €5,000 |
| United Kingdom | €3,500 – €9,000 |
| United States | €6,000 – €20,000 |
| Germany | €3,000 – €8,000 |
What changes the price: unilateral versus bilateral, radical versus simple, histology and imaging, a prosthesis, and whether you stay in hospital one night or several. A package normally includes the pre-operative tests, the operation and anaesthetist, the hospital stay, pathology, medication and airport transfers; ask for the list in writing, and ask whether the pathology report is included and translated.
Who is and who is not a good candidate for orchiectomy?
Surgery is advised when a doctor has a medical reason: a suspicious mass, a proven testicular tumour, prostate cancer needing hormone suppression, a testicle lost to torsion, infection or trauma. It is not a treatment for ordinary scrotal pain, a benign cyst or a hydrocele, which have simpler solutions. For those who ask for the operation for gender-affirming reasons, clinical assessment and legal requirements apply; the rules for non-residents in Turkey are strict, so ask the clinic in writing what documents and assessments it needs before booking anything.
Conditions that need review first include bleeding disorders, blood-thinning medication, heart or lung disease and untreated infection. Tell the team about all medicines you take.
What does orchiectomy do to hormones, fertility and sex life?
Removing one healthy testicle normally leaves enough testosterone and sperm production from the other, so many men notice little change. Removing both causes testosterone to fall sharply within hours, with effects that may include hot flushes, lower sex drive, erection difficulties, fatigue, loss of muscle and bone density, weight gain and mood changes. Bilateral orchiectomy also ends natural fertility. Men with testicular cancer who may want children should discuss sperm banking beforehand; this is time-sensitive and must be planned before surgery.
Some men need testosterone replacement after removal of both testicles, unless it is contraindicated, as in prostate cancer. Your doctor will monitor bone health, cholesterol and blood sugar. Emotional support matters, and a good team will offer counselling or a referral.
Orchiectomy recovery: first days to full activity
Most men go home within 24 hours, often the same day for a simple operation. Expect bruising, swelling and tenderness in the scrotum for one to two weeks. Wear supportive underwear, use ice packs wrapped in cloth for the first 48 hours and take the painkillers prescribed. Walking is encouraged from day one. Avoid heavy lifting, straining and sport for about two to four weeks, and avoid sex until the wound has healed and the surgeon says it is safe, usually after about four weeks.
Plan to stay in Turkey for at least two to four nights if the operation is radical, so the surgeon can check the wound and the first pathology result is discussed before you fly. Short flights are normally fine once the surgeon agrees; keep walking and drink water.
Orchiectomy risks and when to call a doctor
Every operation has risks. Orchiectomy can cause bleeding into the scrotum (haematoma), infection, wound problems, persistent pain or numbness in the groin or scrotum, and the effects on hormones described above. Rare complications include blood clots and anaesthetic reactions. The NHS advises seeking urgent help for increasing swelling, fever, wound discharge, severe pain not relieved by tablets or heavy bleeding. Make sure you know whom to contact after you return home and that the clinic will share your records with your own doctor.
How to choose a urologist and hospital, red flags and questions to ask
For a cancer-related operation check that the surgeon is a urologist, ideally in a hospital with oncology, pathology and imaging on site, and that the plan is agreed with your own cancer team. Request a written plan and price before paying a deposit. Red flags include a surgeon who offers to operate without reviewing scans and blood results, a quote with no breakdown, pressure to book quickly, no named surgeon and no pathology report. Read how our process works and ask for a plan through our free quote page. For other men's health care see andrology and men's health.
Questions worth asking the clinic before you book:
- Which type of orchiectomy is recommended and why?
- Will the testicle be examined by a pathologist, and will I receive the report in English?
- Has sperm banking been discussed, and can it be arranged before surgery?
- Is a testicular prosthesis possible, now or later, and is it included in the price?
- How many nights should I stay, and who will check my wound before I fly?
- Who will treat me if there is a complication after I return home?
Hospitals with Urology in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
An orchiectomy is the surgical removal of one or both testicles. It is done for testicular cancer, advanced prostate cancer, serious injury or infection, and in some cases gender-affirming care. The operation is short but permanent and affects hormone levels.
A radical inguinal orchiectomy removes the testicle and spermatic cord through a groin cut when cancer is suspected. A simple orchiectomy uses a scrotal incision and is used for non-cancer reasons such as torsion, infection or gender-affirming surgery.
Approximate ranges are €1,500 to €5,000 in Turkey, against about €3,500 to €9,000 in the UK. The price depends on the type of operation, the anaesthesia, pathology and whether a prosthesis is included; the hospital confirms it in a written quote.
Most men go home within a day and have bruising and swelling for one to two weeks. Heavy lifting and sport are usually avoided for two to four weeks, and sex is resumed once the surgeon agrees, often after about four weeks.
The operation is done under anaesthesia. Afterwards the scrotum or groin is sore, swollen and bruised, which is normally controlled with prescribed painkillers, ice packs and supportive underwear. Pain usually settles over one to two weeks.
After removal of one healthy testicle, many men stay fertile. After removal of both, natural fertility ends. Men with cancer who may want children are usually advised to bank sperm before surgery or chemotherapy.
Both lower testosterone. Orchiectomy is a single, irreversible operation, while LHRH injections or implants are repeated and reversible. The choice depends on your cancer, your preferences and your ability to attend regular appointments.
Not always. After removal of one testicle the other usually compensates. After removal of both, many men need replacement unless it is unsafe, as in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Your doctor will check your hormone levels and bone health.
Yes, a testicular prosthesis can restore the appearance of the scrotum. It may be placed at the same operation or later, and in cancer cases some surgeons wait until the pathology result is known.
Plan on two to four nights for a radical operation so the wound can be checked and the first pathology result discussed. A simple operation may need fewer. The surgeon will confirm the time based on your case.
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