• About Male Cancer »
• Testicular Cancer »
• Post treatment and further information

POST TREATMENT AND FURTHER INFORMATION

FOLLOW UP

After your treatment has been completed, your doctor will want you to have regular check-ups, blood tests, scans and x-rays. These will continue for several years. If you have any problems, or notice any new symptoms in between these times, you should let your specialist know as soon as possible.

AFFECT ON YOUR FERTILITY

Many men worry that they may not be able to have children after they have been affected by testicular cancer. In fact, many men find that their fertility will return to normal 12 months after they have received their chemo or radiotherapy treatment. For more information and advice on fertility following diagnosis of testicular cancer please click here.

AFFECT ON YOUR SEX LIFE

One of the commonest questions asked by men before and after treatment for testicular cancer is whether their sex life will be affected. The important thing to remember is that the removal of one testicle will not affect your sexual performance or your ability to father children, if the other testicle is healthy. This is because the remaining healthy testicle will produce more testosterone and sperm to make up for the removal of the affected testicle.

Although this further surgery may make it more difficult for you to father a child, it will have no physical effect on your ability to get an erection or have an orgasm.

Any course of treatment may make you too tired to be interested in sex. This is called loss of libido and is common to many illnesses, not just cancer. It is worrying, but remember that it is a temporary side effect and once treatment is over and your body begins to return to normal, your libido will also return.

Sexual problems are very personal and very important, and talking about them can be a great help.

Although this can sometimes be difficult, once they have summoned up the courage to talk openly to their partners, many men find that their fears of rejection are unfounded. Sexual relationships are built on many things including love, trust and common experiences. You may even find a new closeness after talking through a problem with your partner.

In some cases, your doctor, nurse, close friend or relative may also be able to offer help and advice. Some hospitals have nurses or social workers who have been specially trained to help people with sexual problems.

One common fear is that cancer cells can be passed on to your partner during sex. This is not true. Cancer is not infectious and it is perfectly safe for you to have sexual intercourse.

Your feelings

Most people feel overwhelmed when they are told they have cancer, even if the chance of cure is very high, as it usually is with testicular cancer. Many different emotions arise, which can cause confusion and frequent changes of mood. You might not experience all the feelings associated with being diagnosed with testicular cancer, but they may occur. This does not mean, however, that you are not coping with your illness.

Reactions differ from one person to another - there is no right or wrong way to feel. These emotions are part of the process that many people go through in trying to come to terms with their illness. Partners, family members and friends often experience similar feelings and frequently need as much support and guidance in coping with their feelings as you do.

Please speak to your GP or specialist about arranging to see a counsellor specialising in the area of cancer, either through the NHS or privately.

Learn more about testicular cancer

Click here to view the Testicular Cancer Patient Information Film by the BMJ Group featuring Colin Osborne, Orchid's Founder and President and Dr Thomas Powles MBBS, MD, MRCP MRC Senior Clinical Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Urology Cancer and Honorary Consultant in Medical Oncology.