Futuristic illustration of a double-layered hormone-releasing prosthesis implantation.

Beyond Pills: The Future of Testosterone Replacement is Here

Author's portrait.
Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Could a novel double-layer Silastic testicular prosthesis offer a more stable and effective solution for men's hormone health?"


For nearly 80 years, men facing the absence of testes (anorchia) have relied on testicular prostheses, primarily to address psychological distress. But what if these devices could do more than just imitate appearance? New research explores the potential of a novel Silastic testicular prosthesis designed to controllably release testosterone, maintaining physiological levels in vivo over extended periods.

Traditional testosterone replacement therapies, including oral medications, injections, and patches, often struggle with inconsistent hormone levels, short durations, and potential side effects. This study investigates a double-layer Silastic testicular prosthesis with controlled testosterone release (STPT) as a promising alternative for stable and effective hormone maintenance.

The research detailed the development and evaluation of STPTs with varying dosages of testosterone undecanoate (TU). These prostheses were implanted in castrated rats, and the study meticulously measured testosterone levels, monitored physiological responses, and assessed tissue health. The results offer intriguing insights into the future of testosterone replacement therapy and its potential to enhance men's health.

How Does This Novel Prosthesis Work?

Futuristic illustration of a double-layered hormone-releasing prosthesis implantation.

The innovative STPT features a double-layer Silastic membrane designed for controlled testosterone release. Researchers prepared Silastic testicular prostheses with different dosages of testosterone undecanoate (TU) and implanted them into castrated Sprague-Dawley rats. For comparison, a separate group received TU oil via oral administration, while control groups included castrated untreated and sham-operated rats.

Throughout the study, serum samples were collected to measure testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Researchers also recorded maximum intracavernous penile pressure (ICPmax) and assessed the prostates and seminal vesicles through weight measurements, histological examination, and TUNEL assays to evaluate apoptosis.

  • Double-Layer Design: Ensures gradual and consistent release of testosterone.
  • Silastic Material: Known for biocompatibility and safety.
  • Variable Dosages: Allows for tailored hormone replacement.
  • In Vivo Testing: Provides insights into real-world effectiveness.
The study's findings revealed significant statistical differences between the oral administration and TU replacement groups compared to the castrated group (P<0.05) in terms of tissue weights and T and LH levels. Notably, hormone replacement groups implanted with medium and high doses of STPT showed no significant differences in ICPmax, histology, or TUNEL staining compared to the sham-operated group, suggesting a restoration of normal physiological function.

The Takeaway: A Promising Step Forward

This research suggests that the novel STPT design effectively releases TU through its double semi-permeable membranes with excellent biocompatibility. This innovative approach offers a potential solution for maintaining stable testosterone levels and improving the overall well-being of men experiencing hormone deficiency.

While further studies are needed, this research paves the way for new testosterone replacement therapies that could overcome the limitations of current methods. The controlled-release prosthesis offers hope for a more consistent, convenient, and effective approach to hormone management.

This study provides a new approach for testosterone replacement therapy. Next steps involve addressing drug withdrawal issues and replicating the natural circadian rhythm of testosterone release. Future research aims to develop even more advanced STPTs that regulate TU dosage for a more natural and effective hormone replacement experience.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4103/1008-682x.175786, Alternate LINK

Title: Novel Double-Layer Silastic Testicular Prosthesis With Controlled Release Of Testosterone In Vitro, And Its Effects On Castrated Rats

Subject: Urology

Journal: Asian Journal of Andrology

Publisher: Medknow

Authors: Zheng Li, Wei-Liang Xia, Hui-Xing Chen, Shi Yang, Ye Ning, Hai-Hao Shao, Meng Ma, Ru-Hui Tian, Yu-Fei Liu, Wei-Qiang Gao

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

How does this new double-layer Silastic testicular prosthesis work to release testosterone?

The novel double-layer Silastic testicular prosthesis (STPT) is designed to release testosterone undecanoate (TU) in a controlled manner. This is achieved using a double-layer Silastic membrane, which allows for a gradual and consistent release of the hormone. Different dosages of TU can be incorporated into the prosthesis to tailor the hormone replacement to individual needs. Animal studies, specifically using castrated Sprague-Dawley rats, have shown that these prostheses can effectively maintain physiological testosterone levels.

2

What are the limitations of current testosterone replacement therapies, and how does this prosthesis address them?

Traditional testosterone replacement therapies like pills and injections often lead to fluctuating hormone levels, which can cause inconsistent results and potential side effects. The double-layer Silastic testicular prosthesis (STPT) aims to provide a more stable and consistent hormone release, potentially minimizing these fluctuations and side effects. While traditional methods deliver testosterone systemically, this innovative approach is intended to release testosterone locally.

3

What physiological factors were measured to determine the double-layer Silastic testicular prosthesis's effectiveness?

The study measured key physiological indicators such as serum testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Researchers also evaluated maximum intracavernous penile pressure (ICPmax) to assess sexual function. Additionally, the health of the prostates and seminal vesicles was examined through weight measurements and histological examination, including TUNEL assays to evaluate apoptosis, ensuring the STPTs didn't cause harm to these tissues.

4

How does the double-layer Silastic testicular prosthesis ensure safety and biocompatibility?

The double-layer Silastic testicular prosthesis (STPT) uses Silastic, a material known for its biocompatibility, to minimize adverse reactions within the body. The double-layer design ensures a gradual and controlled release of testosterone undecanoate (TU), preventing the hormone level spikes associated with traditional methods. The STPT’s effectiveness was tested in vivo, providing insights into its real-world performance and safety.

5

What are the potential long-term implications of using Silastic testicular prostheses for testosterone replacement?

The use of Silastic testicular prostheses (STPTs) with controlled testosterone release could revolutionize how men with hormone deficiencies are treated. By providing a stable, long-term alternative to traditional methods like pills and injections, these prostheses could significantly improve the quality of life for men experiencing conditions like anorchia. Further research and clinical trials are needed to fully understand the long-term effects and benefits in humans, paving the way for potential widespread adoption and enhanced men's health outcomes.

Newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to get the latest articles and insights directly in your inbox.