Hormone therapy for prostate cancer
Surgery to remove your testicles is a type of hormone therapy for prostate cancer. But it is not a common treatment choice.
The testicles produce testosterone, which can help prostate cancer grow. So removing the testicles can help to control the growth of prostate cancer. After removing the testicles, the level of testosterone in the blood falls quickly. An operation to remove your testicles is called an orchidectomy.
Having an orchidectomy doesn't cure prostate cancer. But it can control the cancer and reduce your symptoms.
Some men prefer to have this surgery as it is one treatment compared to having regular injections. Orchidectomy is not reversible. You may find the removal of your testicles upsetting.
Find out more about hormone therapy for prostate cancer
Your doctors will make sure the benefits of having the surgery outweigh the possible risks. Risks of any operation include:
pain and discomfort
bleeding
infection
Risks of having surgery to remove both testicles include:
hot flushes
difficulty getting an erection
This surgery may also affect your ability to have children. Talk to your doctor if having children is important. They usually suggest sperm banking before having surgery.
Possible changes to your sex drive and becoming infertile can be difficult to come to terms with. Talking to someone about this could help. This could be a close friend or a professional.
Find out more about sex and relationships and prostate cancer
You will have a follow up appointment 6 weeks or so after your surgery. At the appointment your doctor:
examines you
asks you about how you are and if you have had any problems
It is also your chance to ask any questions. Write down any questions you have before your appointment to help you remember what you want to ask. Taking someone with you can help you to remember what the doctor says.
After your first check up you will continue to have follow up to monitor your cancer. How often you have checkups varies. Ask your doctor how often you need to have checkups and what they will involve.
Last reviewed: 04 Jul 2025
Next review due: 04 Jul 2028
Surgery to remove your prostate gland is called radical prostatectomy. Most people in the UK have robotic assisted keyhole surgery.
Hormone therapy is a possible treatment for prostate cancer. You might have it with radiotherapy for prostate cancer that hasn't spread to distant body parts.
Your specialist doctor discusses whether you need treatment, and what your treatment options are. Treatment options might include surgery or radiotherapy.
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can affect the levels of your hormones. This can cause different side effects including hot flushes, swollen breasts, sleep disturbances and weight changes.
Prostate cancer treatments can affect your sex life in different ways. Some treatments can damage the nerves or affect hormone levels that you need to get an erection.
Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is found at the base of the bladder and is about the size of a walnut.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
Image by credit test.
