Castration Primer

[kristoff]

CASTRATION PRIMER

INTRODUCTION

The following is intended to be a relatively brief discussion of castration, reasons for it, its causes and effects – physical, social, psychological, and to some extent its mechanisms and actions. It is intended as a basic primer to anyone undergoing or considering the prospect of castration for any reason, whether chemically or surgically. It is not intended as an ultimate authority and anyone reading this material is encouraged to read extensively. No guarantees are presented. Others are invited to constructively criticize, advise, contribute, provide supportive or contradictory citations, and otherwise lend a helping hand in evolving this paper.

Should anyone wish to add materials or text to this document please send your contributions and suggestions to [email protected], or to me via PM or email, and I will incorporate additional information as I can. Please do not hesitate to provide substantiating or contradictory citations – on the web (give URL), in published form (please provide citation), or elsewhere, so that I can read it.

I am basing the content principally based upon my past readings, content of the forums over many years at EA, input from others, and so on. I am not listing any specific citations at this time – I just haven’t had time to research and substantiate my statements. If you do have some, please send them.

CASTRATION DEFINED

Castration has involved different approaches and methods at various times and places in history. Castration for our purposes here can be defined in essentially three ways.

1.) Testicular Castration – removal or chemical ablation of testicles, possibly also removal of the scrotum, leaving intact the penis.

2.) Penectomy – The removal of all or part of the penis, including internal and / or external portions of it, leaving intact the scrotum and testicles.

3.) Nullification – The removal of the testicles, scrotum, and penis completely. Removal of the penis may or may not include removal of internal penile tissues.

METHODS OF CASTRATION

Surgical

This involves the surgical removal of the testes, whether via scrotal incision or via lower abdominal entry. With scrotal incision – bilateral incisions, or mid-line – the testes are removed after ligation of the spermatic cords, which are allowed to retract into the inguinal canal. Removal of the testes via abdominal incision involves removing the testes through the inguinal canal, and removing the spermatic cord back to its origin. This is most often the method employed to treat testicular cancer, and involves significantly longer recovery than scrotal incision, generally.

Congenital / Agenesis / Cryptorchidism

Though not actually castration, this is a congenital defect where the testes (or perhaps the penis, or both) fail to develop in utero, fail to descend, or some other birth defect occurs, creating or causing the effects of castration.

Hypogonadism

Again, this is not castration. It does involve significant under-production of testosterone by the testes, usually as a result of one of a number of possible causes. Causes can range from Kleinfelter’s syndrome, to other defect, to atrophic degeneration of the testes. The result is the same testosterone deficiency or near deficiency as that caused by castration.

Accidental or Assaultive

This can take any of many forms ranging from athletic injury to assaultive victimization. In some cases, the testes are impacted to the point where they cannot be saved and must be removed. In other cases, the testes can be violently separated or damaged, necessitating complete removal.

Banding

This involves applying a tourniquet of sorts, often an extremely constricting rubber band, around the neck of the scrotum in an effort to terminate all blood flow to the testicles and scrotum below the blockage. The most common approach is with a farm implement called an Elastrator, an inverted pliers-like tool used to apply a very small and extremely durable rubber band. This will cause tissue death and necrosis, possibly gangrene, and of course castration. It is an extremely dangerous method, as well as highly painful.

Burdizzo

This is also a farm implement, essentially a very large pliers-like tool that is used to apply massive, crushing force to the spermatic cords in order to cause a blockage of blood flow. If successful, the testicle(s) will atrophy and be re-absorbed by the body. In some cases, inflammations and infections can occur, and more seriously necrosis and gangrene can follow. Most often this method is not successful. Human spermatic cords are highly plastic, as opposed to those of animals (notably ovines), and thus less likely to be successfully crushed, although there have been some reports of successful use on humans. Again, it is an extremely painful procedure, and will cause significant lacerations and hematomae.

Chemical

This involves the blockage or reduction of testosterone production, or the blockage of its effect rather than its production. See chemical descriptions below.

MOTIVATIONS FOR CASTRATION

Cancer – Testicular, Prostate

Cancer is perhaps the most frequent medically indicated reason for castration, other than injury. Approximately 80,000 men are castrated in North America alone every year as a result of prostate cancer. There are primarily two types of cancer for which castration may be the prescribed treatment. They are testicular cancer and prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer involves the gland that is located essentially behind the penis and which is responsible for the production of most of the volume of ejaculate produced by males at orgasm. It is a cancer that is more prevalent among older males. The cancer is stimulated to growth, acceleration, and metastasis by the presence of testosterone, the sex hormone produced by the testes. Thus, removing the testes, or blocking the production of the testosterone hormone, slows or stops the spread of the prostate cancer. At one time, surgical castration was a common treatment for prostate cancer. Presently, androgen (testosterone) blocking drugs are more commonly administered to create the same effect as castration, thus eliminating surgery, and the frequently debilitating impact of surgical castration upon many men, psychologically and socially

Testicular cancer is more common among younger men (teens and twenties) and usually involves the growth of tumors or lumps in or on the testes – often singly, but sometimes involving both. The general therapeutic approach to treatment is removal of the diseased testis, usually through an abdominal incision that removes both the testis and the spermatic cord all the way to its origin. This reduces the possible spread of the cancer cells by eliminating the need to cut into them, by removing the cancer and the tissue before it. Often prosthetic testes are inserted to minimize impact and appearance difficulties.

Pain / Damage / Injury / Atrophy

There are times when an individual experiences damage or injury in some form to his penis and / or testicles, which may leave them beyond recovery (i.e., car accidents, sports injuries, assaults, torsion, etc.). In these cases, some of the tissue may become lifeless, with necrosis (decay of tissue) possibly resulting, often with related inflammation and infection. In other cases, varying degrees or extremes of pain may result from injury or other causes (sometimes of unknown origin), in some cases chronically. In other cases, testicles sometimes atrophy in response to a disease (i.e., mumps), injury, or in some cases seemingly spontaneously. Castration is sometimes deemed an appropriate treatment response to these types of injuries.

It may be noted that many doctors and surgeons are loathe, presumptively resulting from their own self-preservative sensibilities and social values at large, to perform such procedures, preferring to make extraordinary efforts at preserving the genitals, even when recovery may be beyond hope, often with frequent suffering and pain resulting from delayed procedures.

Vanquishment

History is replete with scores of wars. Not infrequently, especially in more ancient history, it was common for victorious armies to castrate and subjugate their vanquished enemies. Death rates tended to be quite high. Castration of enemy prisoners has not been unheard of in more recent times. Some people have been known to employ castration, or its threat, in order to convince prisoners of war to reveal desired information.

Additionally, notably in days past, various kings, rulers, generals, and countries would make raiding forays into other territories, taking prisoners for enslavement. There are many stories of such slaves being castrated to keep them subjugated, more docile, to prevent breeding, or to allay potential sexual assaults upon the slave-keepers or their women.

There, of course, have also been recorded instances of people taking vengeance upon another by means of castration. Examples abound of alleged or actual rapists or other assailants being castrated by aggrieved individuals or their families / relatives.

Punishment

In line with the previous comments about vengeance, a number of US states and other countries have begun to employ castration, either surgically or chemically, in response to certain sexual offenses. Some countries have been doing this for many years. Most, if not all, justify it as a preventative means of treating the offender, as opposed to punishment. Undoubtedly, an element of punishment and vengeance can be inferred.

There have been a number of studies and reports on the effectiveness of this approach in these matters. Several countries report significant reductions in the number of persons re-offending sexually, especially where hormonal replacement has been prevented, or the use of ongoing androgen-blocking chemicals, or newer GnRH blocking agents and vaccines, have been maintained. Often, the statistical data does not account for related behavioral and health issues, although they do suggest significant reduction in sexually assaultive behavior itself.

There are also advocates for the position that sexual assaults are based more upon non-sexual issues, and thus castration would not eliminate those motivations, merely diverting an offender’s violence into other forms. There is little reported empirical evidence to validate this.

Aside from these more preventative approaches, there are, of course, those who advocate castration of select offenders (not just sex offenders) as a just and fitting punishment. The appropriateness of this approach has been widely debated, and often includes chemical castration as an element of the discussion. In the United States, there have been many constitutional issues raised about the entire matter.

Psychosis / Obsession

There have been a number of cases reported in the professional literature of individuals who have been deemed psychotic (schizophrenic or otherwise), often times presumptively rather than employing a detailed diagnosis, that have self-castrated or mutilated. Any number of reasons and possible delusional thought processes has been offered in explanation. A frequent theme of such reports is with persons who are said to be paranoid schizophrenic, and who believe that their genitals are evil, or the cause of sinful behavior, or that if one’s hand, eye, other body part, “offend thee, cut it off and cast it away.” Some cases have been reported involving psychotic-level behavior among persons with diagnoses other than schizophrenia (i.e., bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder).

There are others who may not necessarily be psychotic, but who experience a high degree of obsession or compulsion about a particular behavior or state of being. For these people, an obsession can become such an over-powering and overwhelming, all consuming process that the only resolution (seemingly) is completing or carrying out some element of the obsession / compulsion, in this case, castration.

Unfortunately, for those who may experience this type of situation, castration would probably only exacerbate other problems (such as mania, depression, and so on), although it also usually resolves the obsession / compulsion.

One should exercise great care in assuming that anyone with such desires must necessarily be psychotic, simply because of an aversion to or abhorrence of the very idea of castration. There are many who experience or desire castration who are simply not psychotic, and most will never carry out the thought. For many men, it is a fantasy, passing thought, or fascination that is exciting, and is quite common.

Religious Belief

Some people engage religious beliefs, taking them very seriously. Some of these people believe in literal application of the Christian Bible or other religious texts. There are a number of references in the Christian bible to castration. Some of them proclaim that one who becomes castrated for the sake of the kingdom of heaven shall be regarded highly and rewarded with everlasting life in the hereafter. The Skoptsy are an example of a sect that routinely practiced castration and sometimes penectomy as a routine element of their beliefs. Others subscribe to the theory that if the hand offends, cut it off and cast it away, as set out in the bible. In this case they apply it to some part or all of their genitals because they are sinful or used in sinful purposes, therefore they should be removed.

Calming

There is substantial evidence based upon observation of castrated animals (notably equines, ovines, canines, and swine) of a calming effect upon displayed aggressive behavior. There is some anecdotal reportage of similar effects upon male humans, although no valid studies have been noted to substantiate such positions directly. There are a small number of persons who are castrated who profess a significant calming-effect upon their aggressive behavior.

It is suggested that the so-called “eunuch calm” is more a reduction of aggression, libido, and perhaps stress. The eunuch calm may, in fact, simply be the reaction that someone has after reaching a long sought goal (i.e., castration), more on the order a feeling of overall relief (calm). Any substantive conclusions to be drawn regarding human male behavior in this regard would be dependent upon further study.

Cosmetic Appearance / Dysmorphia (BIID)

This is an area that may be fraught with significant disagreement, the result of disagreement over definitions. There are those who may simply feel that certain parts of their bodies simply do not belong (are dystonic) or are not appropriate to themselves, and others who feel that they simply do not like a part of themselves, and wish it gone, and others who believe that they would look and feel better in such a condition of absence.

Some would contend that all of the above would constitute a condition known as dysmorphia or BIID (Body Integrity Identity Disorder, formerly known as Apotemnophilia), essentially a sense that a certain body part does not belong, such as an arm, leg, or perhaps genitals, and that a sense of social, psychologic, or other feeling of “wholeness,” completeness, or propriety will only be achieved with the removal of that part. Certainly some persons desiring castration could be situated here.

There are also those who may not experience this same sense of dysmorphia, but who find that they dislike their genitalia (or parts thereof) or who feel that their appearance may be enhanced by the absence of part or all of their genitals. Some profess to like and appreciate the “smooth look” – the absence of testicles, penis, or both, but may not involve dysmorphia.

Transgenderism

This discussion does not propose to address issues regarding transgenderism in the sense of M-to-F. It is a field of study that should probably be held completely separate from one of castration. A male-to-female transgendered person who undergoes reassignment surgery necessarily (with rare exceptions) undergoes a castration as part of the surgery, but should not be confused with a eunuch, who remains essentially “male” in form. A number of such male-to-female transsexuals undergo castration as a preparatory step to sexual reassignment surgery, or as an adjunct to facilitate hormonal therapy preparatory to surgery or transitioning lifestyles. Given the appropriateness of such transitions in specific cases, such castrations have generally been deemed to be wholly appropriate and acceptable.

Eunuch Gender Identity (Agenderism)

In much the same context as Transgenderism, there are those who do not desire to be of either discrete biologic sex – male or female. Similarly, they may feel no affinity to any specific polar gender, but rather to a more central or perhaps androgynous gender. Similarly, there are those who identify “Eunuch” as a gender, perhaps as the center of the polar genders, along a continuum.

Harems

There have been recorded reports of, notably, Arab Sheiks, Sultans, Emirs, or other persons of power, keeping harems of wives, concubines, and so on, who employ the use of eunuchs as guards, attendees, and servants of their harems. The employment of eunuchs in such stations presumptively prevents sexual activity, as well as breeding capacity. It may be noted that not all eunuchs are incapable of attaining erection post-castration, and that there have been reports of powerful women in ancient societies taking eunuch lovers because of their “staying” power without risk of pregnancy.

Hijra

This is a class of people on the Indian continent who have undergone some degree of castration as part of their initiation and accession to this group. These initiates are inducted both voluntarily and involuntarily according to some accounts. In general, the Hijra are held in low esteem, among the lowest classes in India’s stepped class system. They are usually referred to in feminine terms, and frequently dress as women. Many eke out a living as beggars, prostitutes, and by blessing weddings and births through singing and dancing for money (as opposed to placing curses when not paid).

Relationship / Libidinal Issues

There are those who seek castration for real or perceived excesses of their libido, finding that real or seeming sexual obsession or preoccupation is highly distracting, and a reduction or elimination of sex drive would be a preferred condition. This is probably the most frequently cited reason for seeking voluntary castration.

There are others who seek voluntary castration in an effort to maintain comparable libidinal levels to that of their partner, who may have no or very low sexual drive, as an effort to preserve and maintain the relationship.

“Slavery” / Sadism/Masochism

There are those who engage in relationships where physical and sexual submission and domination are central themes. Castration, or the offer of it, is deemed to be an “ultimate” offering of submission and subjugation by and to the “master,” or dominant. Additionally, there are those who find erotic pleasure in engaging in sadistic and masochistic practices. In context here, actual or threatened genital torture, castration, penectomy, or a combination of them, is deemed desirable and erotically satisfying.

Physical and Hormonal Effects of Castration

How Do Male Hormones Work?

The primary male sex hormone is testosterone. Testosterone, a steroid, is made by the interstitial, or Leydig, cells of the testes. Production and secretion of testosterone increases sharply at puberty and causes the development of the secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., beard, genital enlargement) of men. Testosterone is also essential for the production of sperm.

Production of testosterone is controlled by the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which is in turn controlled by the release of GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) from the hypothalamus. LH is also called interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH). Thus:

Hypothalamus --> GnRH --> Pituitary --> LH --> Testes --> Testosterone

The level of testosterone is under negative feedback, that is, a rising level of testosterone suppresses the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus.

Physical Changes and Impacts

The most obvious impact of castration is infertility. The testes, of course, are the loci of spermatogenesis, and their removal halts sperms production.

A significant general reduction in libido will occur, along with loss of most if not all erective capacity. Some eunuchs are able to attain and maintain erection, although usually with significant effort required. Orgasm may occur, although more often not, and it is usually reported as inadequate.

With the decline in erectile ability is a coincidental reduction in or elimination of nocturnal erections. Lack of regular erections, with resultant lack of expansive activity of the penis, apparently results in a perceptible reduction in the size of the flaccid penis.

Secondary male sexual characteristics may diminish or change as a result of testosterone deprivation. For example, there may occur a loss or thinning of body hair (i.e., chest, legs, arms), pattern baldness may stop or slow (in some cases hair may begin to re-grow), as well as loss of muscle mass. There may be a reduction or elimination of characteristic body odors. Voice pitch, however, will not change upon castration.

Increased fatigue and loss of physical stamina is not only related to the reduction of muscle mass, but also to the direct impact of testosterone on such body functions as metabolism (and, hence, energy production). The eunuch’s shoulders may become narrower as a result of shrinking muscle mass, and there may be a loss of muscle definition in the upper torso. Additionally, some mild breast development (gynecomastia), and mild fat redistribution around the hips and thighs may occur. Eunuchs often experience weight gain, including subcutaneous body fat (this thin layer of fat causes the skin to become softer and smoother.)

There may also occur among men experiencing loss of testosterone, changes in cognitive capacities, including memory losses, and changes in spatial reasoning abilities, among others. Greater emotional lability may be observed, with depression being more commonly observed. There may occur increases in depressed and irritable moods, reduced motivation and goal setting and achievement, declines in initiative and assertion, and a loss of interest in things previously found rewarding.

Hot flushes (flashes) and night sweats are common occurrences. While this occurs on a highly variable basis among different individuals, it very much reflects the experience of many menopausal women. It is not uncommon for such hot flashes to occur as soon as two weeks after castration, or to last as long as four months to as many as five years. Most reports are that it is a fairly frequent occurrence among eunuchs. Some eunuchs take low levels of estrogen to counteract this, while others utilize testosterone replacement (in either case, “Hormone Replacement Therapy,” or HRT). Even those eunuchs utilizing testosterone replacement therapy will frequently experience at least some degree of hot flashes.

Osteoporosis is of great concern to the eunuch, as well as to men and women who are experiencing andropause or menopause. Osteoporosis involves the loss of bone mass, and can result in the remaining bone mass becoming brittle, and more susceptible to breaks and other disorders. Lack of testosterone is associated with reduced uptake by the body, and hence the bones, of calcium and related relevant minerals essential to vital bone health. A proper diet, perhaps vitamin and mineral supplements, and an effective exercise program may help in the battle against osteoporosis.

Finally, low levels of testosterone have been associated with Type II diabetes (adult onset), although causal relations between testosterone deficiency and Type II diabetes have not been clearly established. Increases in obesity (frequently accelerated by eunuchism) can help trigger Type II Diabetes. A general finding is that lower testosterone levels may indicate an increased risk of diabetes, regardless of weight or fat-mass. In general, the findings were associated not as much with malfunctioning testes, but with deficiencies in production of luteinizing hormone by the pituitary; however, the implications readily extend to eunuchs.

CHEMICAL CASTRATION

Chemicals Used

This discussion simply adapts and draws upon information available elsewhere. It offers no prescriptive or authoritative advice, and anyone wishing to utilize any such drugs should consult professional medical advice.

Androcur

Androcur (cyproterone acetate) is an anti-androgenic hormone preparation. It is believed to prevent the effect of endogenously (internally) produced and exogenously (externally) administered androgens at the target organs by means of competitive inhibition. The stimulating effect of male sex hormones on androgen-dependent structures and functions is weakened or counteracted by cyproterone acetate. Cyproterone acetate also exerts a progestational and anti-gonadotropic effect. (From the product information packet.)

This medicine blocks the effect of the male hormone testosterone in the body. This decreases the amount of testosterone produced in the body. At first, cyproterone often causes loss of strength and energy or tiredness. However, these effects tend to remit after about the third month of treatment.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone (marketed as Aldactone, Novo-Spiroton, Spiractin, Spirotone, or Berlactone) is a synthetic steroid which is a renal competitive aldosterone antagonist in a class of pharmaceuticals called potassium-sparing diuretics, used primarily to treat low-renin, hypertension, hypokalemia, and Conn’s syndrome. On its own, spironolactone is only a weak diuretic, but it can be combined with other diuretics. Due to its anti-androgen effect, it can also be used to treat hirsutism, and is a common component in hormone therapy for male-to-female transgendered people. Also used for treating hair loss and acne in women. Spironolactone inhibits the effect of aldosterone by competing for intracellular aldosterone receptors in the distal tubule cells. This increases the secretion of water and sodium, while decreasing the excretion of potassium. Spironolactone has a fairly slow onset of action, taking several days to develop and similarly the effect diminishes slowly. Spironolactone has anti-androgen activity by binding to the androgen receptor and thus preventing it to interact with dihydrotestosterone. (From Wikipedia)

Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera is given as an intramuscular injection (a shot) in the buttock or upper arm. Depo-Provera, normally used as a contraceptive, contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a chemical similar to (but not the same as) the natural hormone progesterone that counters or is antagonistic to testosterone

Estrogen

This is the primary female sex-related hormone. It is frequently used to counter the effects of testosterone on a competitive basis. It is prescribed as a feminizing agent for F-t-M transsexuals, and is prescribed to women and sometimes to eunuchs to minimize hot flashes from hormone losses,

Norelin

This is an experimental drug that has not been released to market. It is a vaccine that serves as a GNRH inhibitor, thus blocking testosterone production.

Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)

Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in hair loss, as well as the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement. This drug is normally used in helping to reduce prostate enlargement, and in DHT / testosterone reduction. Some of the effects of finasteride include reduced libido, decrease in ejaculate volume, and partial or complete erectile inability.

Lupron

Lupron Depot is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (inhibitor), that functions to reduce or stop hormone production, both testosterone and estrogen. Unlike Norelin, Lupron is not a vaccine.

Herbs Used:

Many people over many years have attempted to find herbal properties to accomplish changes in their sexuality in one form or another. As a general rule, most herbals are at best very modestly effective, usually requiring very large amounts to have any impact at all, and then are usually ineffective.

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh, whose common names include black cohosh, black snakeroot, macrotys, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattleweed, has a history of use for rheumatism (arthritis and muscle pain), but has been used more recently to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can occur during menopause (and presumably andropause).

The underground stems and roots of black cohosh are commonly used fresh or dried to make strong teas (infusions), capsules, solid extracts used in pills, or liquid extracts (tinctures). Studies are underway to determine whether black cohosh reduces the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

Black cohosh can cause headaches and stomach discomfort. In clinical trials comparing the effects of the herb and those of estrogens, a low number of side effects were reported, such as headaches, gastric complaints, heaviness in the legs, and weight problems. No interactions have been reported between black cohosh and prescription medicines. Black cohosh should not be confused with blue cohosh , which has different properties, treatment uses, and side effects than black cohosh. (From NIH data base.)

Vitex/Chaste Tree Berry

Chasteberry (Chaste Tree, Agnus-Castus, Vitex): The Greeks and Romans used this plant to encourage chastity. Medieval monks were said to use the dried berries in their food to reduce sexual desire. As a result, it was also referred to as "monks' pepper." Current use is almost exclusively for disorders of the female reproductive system, most commonly premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and peri- or postmenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes associated with hormone imbalances. A standardized product from Germany is available in the United States under the brand name Femaprin. (From: www.herbsandnaturalremedies.com/herbs/chasteberry.htm )

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto is marketed to the general public mainly as a treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland) or BPH. In the USA, the genus/species name is referred to as Serenoa repens. Several factors are recognized as playing a major role in the development of BPH. First, functioning testes and a critical level of androgens are essential to the development of BPH. Second, a change in prostatic androgen metabolism occurs that favors the accumulation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and third, an increase in the ratio of plasma estrogens to androgens.

Recent clinical research appears to have shown that Saw Palmetto extract is beneficial in treating BPH. Its mechanism of action in the treatment of BPH is reported that Saw Palmetto inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the agent thought to be responsible for the enlargement of the prostrate. In addition Saw Palmetto extract inhibits the binding of DHT to receptors thus blocking its action. It has also been shown to have an inhibitory effect both on androgen and estrogen nuclear receptors. This is accomplished without interfering with testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, or luteinizing hormone levels. Most importantly, Saw Palmetto does not effect PSA levels, thus it does not mask the ability of PSA tests to detect cancer.

Evanescence

This is a commercial compound that is marketed to women in promoting breast enhancement, among other things. It also has many proponents that suggest that it is modestly effective in retarding male sexual ability, notably erective capability.

[MacTheWolf (imported)]

Kristoff

Excellent article, just excellent.

[dis539 (imported)]

How do you know that there are 80,000 castrations performed in the US for cancer?

[JesusA (imported)]

Medicare funded over 80,000 per year for each of the five years where the numbers were checked.

[Kangan (imported)]

Very complete discussion as regards castration. I don't think I could add anything not already said. Thanks!

[helen (imported)]

Hi, I am new to this group and I appreciate the excellent information. I am curious to learn from others about the 'emotional' effects of castration. I read about some of the reactions, but more detailed information would be helpful. I am 60 and wish to be castrated in the next year or two when my therapist and I come to some conclusion on this, if that makes sense. I see castration as a great way to overcome prostate problems,which, while benign now, could change or just end up terribly costly. I am believing that castration would not only help me with my transgender issues, but save me a lot of prostate problems in time. I know money isn't the chief issue, but castration costs about 1/4 what one of these fancy blue indigo or similar procedures and I believe it virtually eliminates future prostate issues.

I am concerned about how this effects others mentally-depression, frustration, similar issues. thanks, Helen in CO

[Daye (imported)]

Yes! This is just what I was looking for!

[eunuch46 (imported)]

Well documented and accurate article and a valuable tool for us eunuchs and wannabees.

eunuch46

[Eunich Guy (imported)]

What is the best approach to achieve chemical castration. Are the effects permanent if you terminate the treatment? Where do you get the drugs? Some of the items listed you can buy in a Vitimin Store but are they effective? Thanks for the primer. It was really informative.

[curious1 (imported)]

Thankyou for the information. This is the kind of information I am looking for.