I was wandering around the net this evening and discovered the following on Dr. Marci Bowers web page (http://marcibowers.com/mtf/mtf-services/orchiectomy/):

I found it interesting, though I have not heard of a male going to her for orchi and remaining male after, though from her web page, she certainly seems open to performing this for such a male.

Requirements

The WPATH Standards of Care require one letter of recommendation from a licensed mental health professional rather than two for GRS. Orchiectomy can be performed for males wishing to remain males but again, a psychiatric evaluation and documentation would be required. These requirements are not set as hurdles and obstacles but rather, as assurances that a final decision is made carefully and with full knowledge regarding the permanency and outcome of any decision to proceed.

There is an on-going discussion of this among both counselors and surgeons. Marci Bowers is actually the one who initiated a recent conversation on the relevant ListServe for sex researchers and therapists. She, and others, have indicated a willingness to perform orchiectomies without Male-to-Female Sexual Reassignment Surgery, but ONLY with proper letters from proper, recognized counselors.

There are apparently far too many "counselors" whose only qualification for the job is a self-produced letterhead. An example posted today was of a "counselor" who provided a letter for surgery for a fee of $100 and a single telephone call – never seeing the client in person nor obtaining any background information on him.

The situation is changing rapidly, so a bit of searching for a good counselor may be in order for some of the members here.

I read the orchiectomy portion of her program...Very interesting. I wonder what she charges for a simple orchie...? And I wonder if Medicaid will cover an orchiectomy as part of the process of feminizing, although not going for full GRS?? I may get an appointmwnt with a counselor shortly... need to talk to a professional about my condition..Thanks..

Jackie

At the end I posted this as it seems like a path to get what we all desire in a legitimate way. I really have no problem with the letters though I never found myself in that situation. It's what we've been clamoring about for years - the medical community standing up and paying attention to the fact that gender is not always binary. Seems they are starting to come around.

If she wasn't a busy woman, I'd enjoy sitting with Dr. Bowers and discussing my own case as another point of reference for her on the MtE issue, and perhaps discuss that sometimes it goes further to guys wanting to be guys but have a "Ken doll" crotch.

--LT

The website now is non accessible at least for orchiectomy, obviously does not like the publicity.

Quillman UK

Here is an updated link to the Doctors page.

Losethem (imported) wrote: Mon Jun 02, 2014 9:08 pm http://marcibowers.com/mtf/mtf-services/orchiectomy/

Quite interesting if you look at the pic when you click on the view surgical results at the bottom of the page. Looks like she does scrotal removal as part of the surgery, wish she had done mine then I wouldn't be facing a second surgery one of these days soon.

Philcheck (imported) wrote: Thu Jun 05, 2014 2:52 pm Here is an updated link to the Doctors page.

Losethem (imported) wrote: Mon Jun 02, 2014 9:08 pm http://marcibowers.com/mtf/mtf-services/orchiectomy/

Well done, we should all thank you for that.

Quillman UK

I'm sure any doctor that does SRS for MtF would do an orchie for a MtE, with the right letters per WPATH.

But why not just go to Dr. Movagharnia and not worry about paying for shrink letters?

http://grsatlanta.com/html/procedures.html

"Orchiectomy (Castration)- Most common procedure I perform at this time from this site . Orchiectomy is the removal of the testicles. The penis and the scrotum are left intact. Orchiectomy is done as an outpatient procedure and patients can expect to return to regular activities in 1 or 2 weeks. Orchiectomy is done to stop most of the body's production of testosterone which prostate cancer needs in order to grow. Orchiectomy causes sudden hormone changes in the body and side effects from those changes are, sterility, loss of sexual interest, erection problems, hot flashes, larger breasts ( gynecomastia), weight gain, loss of muscle mass and thin or brittle bones ( osteoporosis). Patients who would like to be castrated ( Eunuch) can contact my office at 770-951-7595 for more information and cost of the procedure.

Before you have your procedure, you must write me a letter explaining why you are asking to have Orchiectomy. In that letter, you must be honest and truthful. If I am not convienced, then your surgery will be refused."