Can penile reconstruction affect fertility or the ability to father children?

Penile reconstruction is a surgery to repair or replace the penis, which may be necessary due to birth defects, trauma, or disease. The type of surgery performed will depend on the individual case, but there are a number of different techniques that can be used.

Fertility

The impact of penile reconstruction on fertility varies depending on the type of surgery performed and the underlying condition. For example, some men who have surgery to correct hypospadias (a birth defect in which the opening of the urethra is located on the underside of the penis) may experience a decrease in fertility. This is because the surgery may damage the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis.

Other types of penile reconstruction, such as those performed to treat Peyronie’s disease (a condition that causes curvature of the penis) or to repair damage from trauma, are less likely to affect fertility. However, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery with your doctor before making a decision.

Ability to father children

Penile reconstruction surgery can also affect the ability to father children in some cases. For example, men who have surgery to remove the penis (total penectomy) will no longer be able to ejaculate sperm through the urethra. However, there are other ways to conceive a child, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Men who have surgery to repair the penis (partial penectomy) may still be able to ejaculate sperm through the urethra, but the quality and quantity of sperm may be affected. This could lead to a decrease in fertility.

If you are considering penile reconstruction surgery, it is important to discuss the potential impact on fertility with your doctor. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of surgery and develop a plan to preserve your fertility, if desired.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• If you are planning to have penile reconstruction surgery, it is important to discuss your fertility concerns with your doctor before surgery.
• Some types of penile reconstruction surgery are more likely to affect fertility than others.
• There are a number of ways to conceive a child, even if you have had penile reconstruction surgery.
• Your doctor can help you understand the risks and benefits of surgery and develop a plan to preserve your fertility, if desired.

Penile reconstruction surgeries, such as phalloplasty and metoidioplasty, typically do not directly affect fertility or the ability to father children. However, it’s essential to understand the following considerations:

1. Primary Goal: The primary goal of penile reconstruction surgeries in the context of gender-affirming care is to align an individual’s physical characteristics with their gender identity. These surgeries involve creating a neophallus (newly constructed penis) and are not designed to impact reproductive organs or fertility.
2. Reproductive Organs: Penile reconstruction surgeries do not involve the removal or alteration of reproductive organs, such as the testes (testicles) or the spermatic ducts (vas deferens). These organs remain intact, and individuals retain their capacity for sperm production.
3. Hormone Therapy: Many transgender individuals undergo hormone therapy as part of their gender-affirming care. Hormone therapy may affect fertility by suppressing sperm production. It is essential for individuals who are considering hormone therapy and have a desire to preserve their fertility to discuss options such as sperm banking (sperm cryopreservation) with their healthcare providers before starting hormone therapy.
4. Reproductive Options: Transgender individuals who have undergone penile reconstruction surgeries or other gender-affirming procedures and wish to become parents in the future can explore various options for family planning. These options may include assisted reproductive technologies (ART), surrogacy, adoption, or co-parenting arrangements. It’s important to consult with fertility specialists or reproductive health experts to explore the most suitable options based on individual circumstances and goals.
5. Postoperative Care: After penile reconstruction surgeries, individuals should follow their healthcare providers’ recommendations for postoperative care. This includes attending follow-up appointments and addressing any concerns or complications that may arise during the recovery process.