Unresponsive to Cyproterone Acetate?

[SanFranBoy (imported)]

Long story short, I have gender dysphoria (MtN), have wanted my testicles gone since puberty, have had facial surgery, full body/face hair removal but no desire for breasts.

But I also suffer from extreme arousal. Was masturbating several times a day. Was on 25mg CA for 2 years, had little affect on arousal or erections. Experimented with higher doses, but made no difference.

I stoped CA 3 weeks prior to FFS, and didn't resume till a few months later due to medication complications (gallbladder).

During that time my arousal became much worse (constant state of orgasm).

Assumption was a result of spike in T from stopping CA.

I've since been on 50mg CA for last 4 months. I'm no longer in constant state of orgasm, but still get flares of extreme arousal which is very debilitating.

Total T went from 900ng/l to 380 after first 30 days, have had a CBC's since then but haven't had T retested yet. Assume near castration levels as ejaculation is non existent, nipples extremely sensitive, and what few body hair I had left disappeared.

Arousal is worse lying down, suggesting its not varicose vein, this also makes sleep impossible without pills.

I was prescribed Zoloft to help with the arousal, but couldn't tolerate it, caused painful erections and insomnia. Open to trying other SSRI's.

Has anyone experienced similar? Would orchiectomy solve what CA couldn't? From what I understand CA should be more effective then castration since it also blocks T from the adrenal glands.

To make this curse worse, about 6 months ago ejaculation started causing uretha pain and urinary urgency. I'm told T may help with this, but I can't increase my T without increasing my arousal. So I'm in a bind. Does E help with uretha pain and urgency?

I really feel I've ruined my body somehow, either from CA, or possibly cycling, or psychotropics and need some relief, I just can't deal with my genitals any more.

[daifu-orchid (imported)]

Snipped and good!

IMHO highly recommended, but of course YMMV.

[Paolo]

Before you book a surgery date, consider that if CA didn't work, it's not the only T-blocker on the laundry list. Try something else first.

YMMV is great advice, since you might find that a radical drop in T might not suit you at all.

For me, when the natural production said, "That's it, we're done," it wasn't fun at all. It was a bitch to adapt to, but I digress.

Once they're gone, they're gone, then it's hoping that something like Androgel works for you. CA does have a rep for being hard on the liver in some, hence the possibility that it contributed to the gall bladder and surrounding area issues. Again, DO try something else first.

[daifu-orchid (imported)]

........

a radical drop in T might not suit you at all.

For me, when the natural production said, "That's it, we're done," it wasn't fun at all. It was a bitch to adapt to, but I digress.

Once they're gone, they're gone, then it's hoping that something like Androgel works for you.

Amen. The first time my T disappeared, it was quite the adventure getting to feel good. I'm sure Paolo has it right that there are other blockers to try first. Surgery is done for ever.

If after careful consideration and good advice you eventually want surgery, have it but you can't go back. Surgery is not an instant solution; there is the day of cutting and after it is a period that can be short of long of physical pain, discomfort and adjustment to achieve in the new state.

[JessicaH (imported)]

You may want to try taking an E blocker. Men need E for libido and erection. Most who tried androcur with tamoxifen felt totally sexless.

[notsomanly (imported)]

I would suggest Wellbutrin which is usually very well tolerated and amongst the safer of the anti-depressants. Also, surgical castration tends to make men feel better, chemical castration worse, invariably men last around two years before stopping due to a variety of side effects. Surgical castration nips the bud at the source, chemical castration in effect poisons you systemically. I'd say go get the snip.

I decided to stop Androcur after three months, primarily due to shortness of breath that wasn't getting better and what may have been a drop in red blood cells making it hard to breath at times. I feel better two weeks later and no return of sexual feelings. If I could feel as good as I do now without the side effects of the drug, I'd be very interested in surgical castration. On the other hand, being chemically castrated for 3 months isn't long enough to be sure about it. I'm also on Wellbutrin which might explain the complete lack of depressed feelings. It's a great drug that had no negative side effects for me. I probably don't need it any longer, but why mess with what works?