Sherry (imported) wrote: Fri Jan 23, 2004 9:24 pm This is really a tricky issue. The needs of those who would benefit from orchiectomy need to be weighed against the needs of those who need to think about this and be careful. Do we just give this surgery on demand and never mind those who will regret it, or do we make it difficult to obtain, which might prevent a few regrets, but cause problems for those who do need to be castrated?
Personally I lean toward allowing consenting adults to be able to obtain the surgery. I had my orchiectomy at age 31,..... but I also regret that I didn't get to do it when I was younger.
If standards were made, that might cause a few unsure persons to hesitate before getting the surgery, but there will still be some who will put themselves through whatever protocol we put in their path, get the surgery, and then regret it.
Transitioners like myself would no doubt benefit from castration at a younger age. When a non-transgendered man writes to me, if he is between 18 and 25, I advise him to consider that his body has not finished masculinizing yet, and is he sure he wants to forego the additional masculinization? Some men would wish to let their development finish, while others would rather feel peaceful and calm already.
I just posted a new page on my website urging persons who are sure they would be happier for being castrated to obtain the surgery safely and intelligently, and I wish there were more doctors who would safely perform this surgery, especially for the non-transgendered men here. Instead of calling for more standards, I would wish anyone considering castration, regardless of their age, to be absolutely certain that they know themselves.
Sherry, I find your comments extremely wise ones. People of all ages, even guys still in their teens, might benefit from castration and should have the option open. This is true for trans-sexuals as well as not. Some will later question the wisdom of their decision or regret it. I'm not certain that anyone has demonstrated that youth are more likely to later regret the decision.
What is true is that youth have more to lose. However, they also have more to gain. Cutting short masculinization takes on more importance for younger guys. The ability to reproduce is of special advantage and importance to younger folks. I believe all of this just increases the onus for the availability of quality psychological counselling. This availability is perhaps more important than living for a period of time with anti-androgens.