Testosterone Deficiency

Many TC survivors suffer from low testosterone. It is best to have your testosterone levels tested before your orchiectomy, and again a few weeks after. If your testosterone levels drop, testosterone replacement therapy may be needed to give you a normal sex drive and so you can get an erection.

Testosterone replacement can be taken the following ways: by mouth, bi-weekly injection or by rubbing gel (ANDROGEL) on the skin.  There is also a testosterone replacement patch that delivers a steady amount of testosterone all the time, keeping your moods stable and your sex drive normal.

ADAM questionnaire about symptoms of low testosterone

(Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male)

This basic questionnaire can be very useful for men to describe the kind and severity of their low testosterone symptoms.

1. Do you have a decrease in libido (sex drive)?

2. Do you have a lack of energy?

3. Do you have a decrease in strength and/or endurance?

4. Have you lost height?

5. Have you noticed a decreased "enjoyment of life"?

6. Are you sad and/or grumpy?

7. Are your erections less strong?

8. Have you noticed a recent deterioration in your ability to play sports?

9. Are you falling asleep after dinner?

10. Has there been a recent deterioration in your work performance?

If you answer yes to number 1 or 7 or if you answer yes to more than 3 questions, you may have low testosterone, and it is time to consult your physician.