Getting Back Into the Game After Testicular Fracture

"If it is PTSD, we see avoidance," he said. "Avoidance is the natural inclination to avoid putting yourself in the same situation again."

But Llewellyn said he believes that any initial tendencies toward avoidance for Snyder should work themselves out quickly. "When he initially starts back, he may flinch a time or two," he said. "But these are strong guys mentally; once things get going I don't think it will be an issue."

Fortunately, no matter the effect on his professional life, doctors said it is unlikely that the injury will affect his personal life.

"This injury and prompt repair should have no effect on his fertility or his sex life," said Dr. Raju Thomas, professor and chairman of urology at the Tulane University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. "The other testicle will take over, and his remaining testis will recover some."

Getting Back in the Game

St. James said he is familiar with the fear of returning to a sport after a testicular injury firsthand, adding that stepping onto the wrestling mats for the first time after his injury was a challenge.

"I was a little nervous when I got into sports a year afterward because of what happened," he said.

But, he noted, his fear eventually dissipated in the heat of competition. The biggest challenge now? Enduring the friendly ribbing.

"Really, dealing with the aftermath gets intense," St. James said. "It is something that people talk about and joke about, and I've learned to have a sense of humor about it."

And it's something that Snyder may also have to endure, Llewellyn said. "I think his major task will be dealing with the things the batters have to say to him."