This medical procedure is also called orchidectomy or gonadectomy and is commonly known as castration or by the abbreviations "orch," "orchi," "orchy," and "orchie." Bilateral orchiectomy involves removal of both testicles, which eliminates the main sources of androgen production.
This procedure is most often performed by urologists or endocrinologists and is most often performed as interventive treatment of cancers of the prostate and testes in non-trans patients.
Since this procedure is considerably less expensive than vaginoplasty, orchiectomy is an alternative step for those with limited finances. It eliminates the need for antiandrogens and enables patients to take far lower doses of female hormones. Additionally,
Some people who identify as TG, with no plans to have vaginolplasty choose this option to assist in their transformation.
There are a few potentially serious drawbacks to having this procedure done, however. And like SRS, should be considered carefully.
The testicular skin will attrify, over time, potentially complicating a future vaginoplasty procedure, and may require a skin graft. A few surgeons will not perform vaginoplasty on a surgically-castrated male,
Once this surgery is performed, it can not be undone. The result is permanent sterility. An alternative to off-setting this, is to store sperm at a sperm bank for later use, prior to this life-altering surgery. This is highly recommended. Even if you don't want children at this time in your life, plans change over the course of our lives.
While Orchidectomy is less drastic than vaginoplasty, it has historically been difficult for transwomen to obtain it.
If you intend to get vaginoplasty at a later date, you should speak with the surgeon(s) you are considering before getting an orchiectomy. Some of them may have suggestions or recommendations about incision placement to ensure a better vaginoplasty result at a later date.
Some women have been able to change legal documents following orchiectomy. You will need to ask your surgeon for a letter affirming that the surgeon performed irreversible genital surgery as part of a sex change procedure.
When our community was still frequently denied access to medical services last century, some consumers sought out this procedure from people without adequate medical training or equipment. Some attempted to perform the procedure on themselves, which frequently led to hospitalization.
This is very dangerous and can lead to death or serious injury.
I strongly urge you to seek out a qualified practitioner to perform this procedure under the safest conditions.
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