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Question
My baby son, now aged one, had an operation to remove a testicle when he was five months old.

The surgeon checked to see if it was undescended, but found that it had probably twisted in the womb and had not developed fully, and therefore removed it and fixed the other one.

Although I am relieved that all is now well health-wise, I am very anxious about how he will cope later on in life.

I am worried about possible injury to the other testicle at school, during sports for example, and that he will be embarrassed.

Should I mention it to his teachers, or would this make things worse for him?

He is a very outgoing little boy and I hate to think of him being ashamed of his body.

I read an answer to someone concerned about having one testicle and this upset me greatly.

Everyone says not to worry about it and that it won't show – but will it? I know this seems far in advance but if I don't think about it now, I'll just worry until he starts school!

Answer
It is actually very common to have to remove a testicle surgically.

Most boys who have this operation cope very well indeed. I'd recommend that you make as little fuss about this as possible.

Your boy is unlikely to start counting his testicles before the age of seven, or thereabouts, so there's no rush to tell him till then.

I would most certainly advise against telling his teachers. It's of no relevance to them. Also, your son will be grateful to you for mentioning it to as few people as possible.

Unless he has a big scar, it's very unlikely his schoolmates will notice anything. Regarding sport: when he reaches puberty, you or his father should make sure that he wears an athletic support ('jock strap') for games – and also a cricket 'box' if batting.

Finally, most males who have one testicle have normal sexual development and are perfectly capable of fathering children.

Please try not to worry.

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team

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