10/04/2019
Castration is also known as gonadectomy or orchiectomy is surgical procedure to remove one or two male testicles.
The testicles, which are male reproductive organs that produce s***m, sit in a sac, called the sc***um. The sc***um is just below the p***s.
There are two common orchiectomy procedures for transgender women: bilateral orchiectomy and simple orchiectomy. In a bilateral orchiectomy, the surgeon removes both testicles. During a simple orchiectomy, the surgeon could remove either one or both testicles.
Bilateral orchiectomy is the more common type of orchiectomy for transgender women.
Preparation for the procedure:
To prepare for the procedure, your doctor will likely require proof that:
You’re experiencing gender dysphoria.
You’re able to consent to treatment and make a fully informed decision.
You don’t have any unmanaged mental health or medical problems.
You’ve reached the age of adulthood in the country that the procedure will take place
Generally, a doctor will ask you to provide letters of preparedness from two different mental health professionals. You’ll also likely need to complete one year (12 consecutive months) of hormone therapy before you undergo an orchiectomy.
During the procedure:
The procedure will take 30 to 60 minutes. Before surgery begins, your doctor will use local anesthesia to numb the area or general anesthesia to make you fall asleep so you don’t feel anything. A surgeon will then make an incision in the middle of the sc***um. They’ll remove one or both te**es and then close the incision, often with sutures.
The surgery itself is an outpatient procedure. This means that if you were dropped off in the morning for the procedure, you’ll be able to leave before the end of the day.
Recovery Period:
Physical recovery from the procedure will last anywhere between a few days to a week. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medications to manage pain and antibiotics to prevent infection.
Based on your reaction to the orchiectomy, your physician may reduce your estrogen dose and taper off any preoperative androgen blocker medication.
Risks And Complications:
You may experience side effects and complications that are typical to surgery. These may include:
bleeding or infection
injury to surrounding organs
scarring
dissatisfaction with results
nerve damage or loss of feeling
infertility
decreased libido and energy
osteoporosis
Transgender women who undergo an orchiectomy are also likely to experience a number of positive side effects, including:
a drastic decrease in testosterone, which may allow you to reduce your dose of feminizing hormones
reduced gender dysphoria as you take a step closer to matching your physical appearance with your gender identity