I’ve got no balls but my sex life is better than ever after testicular cancer battle
Alastair Duns has a testosterone injection every 10 weeks to help him maintain a healthy sex life
A SUPER-FIT marathon runner who had both testicles removed because of cancer claims that his sex life is better than ever.
Alastair Duns, 37, was diagnosed with the illness at just 27.
He had his right testicle removed in 2009 and when the disease returned the following year, then had the left one removed.
But that hasn't had impact on his performance in the bedroom - thanks to his regular testosterone injections.
Alistair has jabs of the male hormone every ten weeks and says that that means there's "absolutely no difference" in the quality of his sex life.
Losing your testicles isn’t the be all and end all – you can move on and live a normal life
Alastair Duns
The leadership consultant, from Tooting, South London, said: "I felt very angry with the hand I had been dealt. But soon I realised that losing your testicles isn’t the be all and end all – you can move on and live a normal life.
“It’s a common misconception that having your testicles removed affects your sex life.
"My sex life is as good as it has ever been."
Alastair was first diagnosed with testicular cancer when he worked as a yachtsman on racing boats and luxury vessels.
MISTAKEN FOR GROIN STRAIN
He went to the gym up to six times a week until in November 2009, he began to feel a slight discomfort in his groin and thought he'd somehow strained it while working on a boat.
It was only after his right testicle had swollen to the size of a tennis ball that he decided to visit his GP.
"It had never really crossed my mind that it might be cancer," he said.
"It was only ten years ago but back then, men's health wasn't something that was much discussed and I really wasn't aware of the possibility of cancer."
SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
He was shocked when blood tests revealed that he had cancer and would have to have surgery the next day.
"I was quite astonished but I thought, 'Well, there's no point dwelling on this, I just have to get on with it and fix it'."
The next day, he had a radical inguinal orchiectomy to remove the testicle, tumor and spermatic cord.
He said it was a strange sensation seeing his scrotum half-full following surgery but he soon went about his normal life, just needing regular blood and sperm tests and monthly CT scans to make sure the disease didn't come back.
CANCEL RETURNED
But in February 2011, a scan confirmed that the cancer had returned - this time in his left testicle.
“I remember sitting in my car when the doctor rang to tell me that it was back,” he said.
“I was so upset, as I thought I had moved on with my life and could put it behind me. I remember giving the dashboard a few smacks with my fist."
This time, he had three samples of sperm collected and frozen before going under the knife and was given a prosthetic testicle following surgery.
I was so upset, as I thought I had moved on with my life and could put it behind me
Alastair Duns
“They give you the option of having prosthetics put in, or going without,” continued Alastair, who was back at work after a week.
“Weirdly, though, after having just one testicle for a year and getting used to that, I decided to opt for one prosthetic, which I can only describe as feeling like an egg made out of silly putty.”
SEX LIFE 'AS GOOD AS EVER'
Ten years on from his initial diagnosis, he's had no further issues and regularly runs marathons.
The only real change is that he now has a testosterone injection every ten weeks to keep his system healthy.
He said: “I have no complaints and can still grow a better beard than a lot of my friends who have two balls".
Alastair is now trying to raise awareness of men's health, which he believes isn't talked about enough.
"It is something that needs to be addressed so I would urge every man to take care of himself and check regularly for any lumps.
"And if it is cancer, know that it isn't the end of the world - they will get through it."
SPERM FROZEN
Now in remission, Alastair has been dating teacher Helen Clark for nine months.
Life is no different without testicles, he says, and stresses that he's now in a wonderful, fulfilling relationship.
Helen says that Alastair's op hasn't affected their love life in the slightest - and has the added bonus of not having to worry about any pregnancy scares.
How to check your nuts
Sam Gledhill, global director for testicular cancer Movember, said: "With testicular cancer, it really is so important to understand what feels normal for you and to go see a doctor if something changes.
"An action as simple as knowing what feels normal and getting some medical advice if things change can, quite literally, save lives."
First things first then, it's important to work out what feels normal for you - all balls are different.
Step 1 - Get steamy
This might not be as exciting as it first seems, but stick with it.
A hot shower is the best place to get in the know, when it comes to your balls.
The warm temperatures will get your nuts in the mood for the next step.
Step 2 - Get handsy
Well, to be accurate, get your fingers on your balls.
The best way to have a good feel about is to gently roll your testicle between your thumb and fingers.
You'll get a sense of how they feel, their size and shape.
By repeating this every week or so, you'll get a good picture of what's normal means for your nuts.
Step 3 - Go again
Easiest step so far, repeat part two just on your second, as yet un-touched testicle.
This April, Movember are encouraging men to know their nuts for Testicular Cancer Awareness month.
MORE ON CANCER
“As he’s had his sperm frozen, it’s good to know that the option is there for us to have children if we ever want to.
“As a PE teacher, I am full of admiration, too, for the way in which he’s using sport to raise awareness about men’s health, by doing the Race to the Wreck.
“In many ways, it has made him much more of a man.”
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