I've been a member of the group for a few months and have found a great many intelligent and helpful comments and insights posted by other members. I am now seeking advice from any UK based guys. A little background about me: 50's British gay guy in long term non-sexual relationship. Generally happy, healthy and recently retired. No history of mental illness, no medical conditions.

For many years I have dealt with two paraphilias relating to amputees and men's hands and bitten fingernails. (Yes, a little weird I guess) The urges I experience are overpowering and it takes all my effort to stop myself behaving inappropriately towards men who possess the physical characteristics that excite me. The urges have become stronger and more invasive over the past two years so I sought help from my local GP who is, I have to say, more helpful than I could ever have hoped for.

He referred me to a local psychiatrist (I paid privately because NHS waiting times were excessive) His diagnosis was clear under ICD-10 criteria; "Fetishism - a disorder of sexual preference"

My psychiatrist is equally as 'sensible' and pragmatic as my GP. He does not believe CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) will work for my deep-seated obsessions. His immediate conclusion and recommendation is that I be put on an anti-androgen treatment programme to remove my sex-drive and allow me to focus on matters other than my obsessions. In his report he specifically mentioned Cyproterone Acetate as the most appropriate form of treatment. This was founded on his previous experience of working in the prison sector where chemical castration was a treatment he found successful for many sex-offenders.

I have made it clear to my psychiatrist and GP that I want to be rid of my sex-drive and my partner is in agreement. Many of you who have experience of Cyproterone describe the many positive aspects and some of the negative consequences.

My ever-pragmatic and sensible GP has drawn up a programme of treatment which includes: 1) Normal blood tests for liver / kidney function. 2) Check current testosterone levels. 3) Bone density scan 4) Prescription of Cyproterone 5) regular blood tests and 6) Psychiatric assessment after 6 months.

The advice I seek from other members is any links to endocrinologists who are familiar with this treatment regime. Location is not too important as I live in the South Midlands. My GP can refer me to a local 'bog-standard' endocrinologist but really wants to refer me to someone who is already up to speed.

This has been a bit of a long and drawn-out first posting - sorry! It's just that I am so close to achieving what I need to happen to me, a little help from any of the experienced members here is much appreciated. Thanks and regards Steve

You may find gendercare.co.uk helpful.

I’ve not used them myself yet, but may well do in future if getting an Androcur (Cyproterone Acetate) prescription from the NHS proves to be too long winded.

Like yourself I have found my GP to be unexpectedly helpful when I spoke to her about my issues, gender dysphoria in my case, and has proved willing to give me advice and make sure that I have all the necessary blood tests, despite the fact that she knows I’m starting my chemical castration trial with medication purchased online.

Dear Zebedeee

(I was a fan of the magic roundabout - always wanted to adopt Dougal!) Thank you for your advice. I have emailed Gendercare and will report back on the outcome. Thanks Steve

As I understand it, remaining on CPA indefinitely is not good for the liver; they should transition you onto something like triptorelin after a few weeks or months as is done with men with prostate cancer. Those drugs would cause a testosterone flare if given first, which is why CPA is administered first. Ask your psychiatrist what he plans to do about long-term medication.

Hi guys,

I too live in the UK and am interested in chemical castration as an alternative to surgery. However I'm a little embarrased to tell my GP this. Any tips and advice would be very much appreciated. For example what to tell my doctor and is there an option online i can purchase without visiting the GP's office.

You can purchase anti androgens from various online pharmacies which are based abroad and willing to supply medication without a prescription. Though as I’ve recently discovered don’t expect then to be as reliable as Amazon.

It’s a bit trickier to advise just how to approach your GP about it… My GP had already referred me to a therapist to help me with my gender dysphoria after I had a bit of a break down last summer, so when I told her about my plans to self medicate it didn’t come as much of a surprise. She actually said to me, “I thought you might.” Anyway, she doesn’t officially support my decision and of course advises against it, but the GP’s practice is willing to support me in the form of whatever blood tests I need, etc., to try to keep me from harming myself. Which is very useful support.

I think it’s probably best just to be honest with your GP and they may surprise you and be more understanding than you expect. If not then you can always try another GP.