What do we really mean by "Eunuch"?

[Varys2013 (imported)]

Having traversed this site for a little while now, I've become a bit puzzled with an observation. Eunuch seems to mean a couple of different things.

On the one hand, surgical removal of the testicles is accompanied with replacement of testosterone production by some means. So, a physical modification with no other particular effects.

On the other hand, some have surgical or chemical castration, with the intent of eliminating testosterone, with or without actually removing the testicles.

Eliminating testosterone either way has a spectrum of physical and mental side effects.

So, as a eunuch, is the idea to experience the perhaps more historical aspect, of elimination of testosterone by physical castration? Or, is it the modified appearance of removed testicles, scrotum, and even penis, without the related loss of testosterone? Or some combination of all of that?

I'd never suggest someone is more or less a eunuch by these choices, but just curious about the varying definitions we may have of that term.

[Losethem (imported)]

For me the definition is simple - Have you had something physically removed down there? If you haven't, you're not a eunuch.

[JesusA (imported)]

In terms of the medical literature, “EUNUCH” refers specifically only to the testicles, and not to anything having to do with the penis. That’s a separate issue.

A eunuch is defined as a natal male who has had his testicles

1) removed,

2) destroyed in place with remnants still existing (e.g., by Burdizzo or injection of toxins), or

3) chemically inactivated (e.g., by Lupron, Depo-Provera, etc.)

There are also very rare cases of anorchia, where testicles that were originally present are spontaneously reabsorbed by the body before the age of puberty. Anorchics appear in the medical literature, but are seldom referred to as eunuchs in the medical literature, even though they are males without testicles.

Someone who has had only his penis removed is technically NOT a eunuch. A nullo whose penis and testicles are both removed would be referred to as a “eunuch whose penis has been removed”.

[Varys2013 (imported)]

Interesting. So the word "eunuch" has very broad definition. With testicles physically removed or destroyed in place, yet testosterone still "normal" through supplementation, one is a eunuch. Or, with testicles still in place but chemically deactivated, so no testosterone, one is also a eunuch. Living those two lives is very different, yet still considered the same under this broadly defined name.

[T. Willy (imported)]

I feel like I am somewhere in between. Years ago an accident led to an infection in one testicle and it atrophied. Next the years went by and naturally the other one got hypogonadism and T level went way down. Doctor prescribed a T shot every 2 to 4 weeks how ever it worked out in my schedule. After 3 years I would consider the testicles destroyed in place due to atrophy making them almond size and soft and almost not there. The doctor said they will never come back now after 3 years. I asked him why can't they just be taken off then and he said we don't do that. They have almost disappeared so I won't worry about it. I feel like I am sort of between being asexual and a eunuch if there is such a thing? In any case I don't spend much time worrying about it. It is really nice not have my testicles hanging down in hot weather where they used to get sat upon, caught in things, little kids jumped on them when in my lap and generally getting in the way along with wearing holes in the crotch of my pants all the time.

[T van Keel (imported)]

For me the term eunuch is connected very closely to a person who is serving as some kind of guard in mostly ancient times. This description doesn't fit me at all, so I wouldn't like it if someone calls me an eunuch. By the way, I'm still intact but seek for complete removal of my parts. I prefer to speak of me as a non-binary transgender.

[Atreyu69 (imported)]

For me the definition is simple - Have you had something physically removed down there? If you haven't, you're not a eunuch.

I've had something physically removed down there.

I was cir'ed as a baby. For me to consider a person a eunuch the something physical would have to be the balls.

[tugon (imported)]

I became a eunuch with no interest in ever using HRT. I was looking for the T free life. I wanted to live my life as a eunuch. A eunuch in the ancient sense before modern medicine knew how to create synthetic hormones. I am happy as a eunuch and living between male and female.

[sparkey49 (imported)]

I am a eunuch and consider myself to be during the 2.5 years no T and since being on T.

[colin (imported)]

As Tweedledum says - a word means exactly what I want it to.

Historically, a eunuch was created to prevent the possibility of procreation. They knew nothing about testosterone and would not have cared if they had. It was essentially a permanent and physical means of humiliation.

What a modern person means by the term when describing someone of the current era entirely depends upon who is using it.