Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
medium

Complication rate depends on the type of surgery and experience of the surgeon.

Short-term complications may also include pain, bleeding or infection.

short term
low

May appear faintly after low-dose radiation used in men with prostate cancer.

long term
low

Complication rate depends on the type of surgery and experience of the surgeon.

A second surgery may be required for more cosmetic improvement.

variable
low

Testosterone treatment stimulates erythropoietin and may cause erythrocytosis, especially in smokers.[102]​ Most patients will have an increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin, but few develop polycythemia.

variable
low

Testosterone treatment may worsen sleep apnea.

variable
low

Testosterone treatment does not cause prostate cancer but may stimulate growth if prostate cancer is already present.

variable
low

Gynecomastia is associated with psychological consequences such as depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and low self-esteem.[3][103]​​

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