I often hear it mentioned that testosterone is a significant factor in prostate cancer which is why an orchidectomy is sometimes recommended for those who develop such cancer.

However, I was wondering if anyone knows whether testosterone levels also would influence BPH (Benign prostatic hyperplasia) aka enlarged prostate? and whether castration would actually help such a condition.

I do understand that it is unlikely that a doctor would prescribe orchidectomy for BPH but I was just wondering as to the connection if any.

Thanks

At least some cases of BPH are definitely related to testosterone, and various forms of chemical reduction or elimination of T are often used in treating it...

You are right that most doctors won't prescribe an orchie for it, partly because a lot of patients would freak at the idea of loosing their bits, and partly the extreme reluctance in the medical world to do anything that gets rid of them....

It seems ironic since a lot of the 'approved' treatments would have almost the same effect, but it seems quite alright to nuke a guy's 'functionality' especially as he gets older, as long as they don't do the big snip... Of course it might have something to do with the fact that 'big pharma' doesn't make any real money off a castration, but getting a patient on drugs = $$$$$

(As a side note - there are threads here with lists of drugs w/ known anti-androgenic side effects, it is amazing how many 'first line' treatments for things like high blood pressure, cholesterol, acid reflux, and other such common problems show up on those lists....)

However from what little I know (I don't even pretend to be a Dr. on TV ) it seems like prejudice aside, it would probably be an effective treatment... The limited medical records we have on pre-pubertal castrates seemed to show nearly non-existent prostates, and those done later seem to show a lot of shrinkage, reduced PSA scores, etc...

There was a thread a while back where Jesus said that a urologist friend was of the opinion that if all guys celebrated their 40th birthday by getting there would be almost NO prostate cancer or other prostate issues...

WheelyCurious

Yes, castration certainly reduces the size of prostate. If you feel your urination is restricted, then you will notice tha this condition will get better even after few months into castration. This I tell of my personal experience. I started to notice that my urination is not that of a young man anymore, already 4 years ago. I was 45 then, which is relatively young to have such condition, but nothing unusual. 4 months of chem castration did relieve that condition significantly. In 4 months there was absolutley no restriction. But over time it started to seep back and last year I repeated chemcastration, which solved the thing again.

I wonder why doctors are unwilling to offer temporary castration... But yea I know. Male sex drive is almost a divine thing. But they should ask at least.

While castration does reduce the size of the prostate, most eunuchs take supplemental testosterone for other health purposes, which then increases the prostate size and the chances of getting prostate cancer. The remedy is to take Finasteride, which shrinks the prostate, and the genitals too, without detracting from the health benefits of testosterone. Finasteride also promotes scalp hair growth, countering the effect of testosterone in one’s body. It reduces the ability to get and maintain erections and decreases the desire for sex when even using it with testosterone, both side effects of Finasteride, a benefit for those seeking to be castrated for this purpose.

Maybe some things need to be added to the topic: There is prostate cancer that grows better with high testosterone levels and prostate cancer that does not show this behavior. In other words: Not every case of prostate cancer needs surgical castration.

Regarding finasteride: The drug was originally developed to reduce benign prostate enlargement. I took finasteride for some time to reduce my high sex drive. For me, the effect of the drug has been extreme: No libido at all at the beginning, complete impotence, beginning atrophy of the penis and severe testicular pain. I am not castrated, but the effects remind me of the description of eunuchs taking little to no testosterone.

On the subject of temporary castration via chem. castration: I can already understand that some doctors reject this, because depending on the drug long-term effects can occur. Androcur is on the hit list (see WPATH SOC 8) and also drugs like Orgovyx/Relugolix have a surprising number of negative side effects.

Then try nandrolone if you can find an endocrinologist to prescribe it.

10yeareunuch (imported) wrote: Fri Sep 15, 2023 4:15 am While castration does reduce the size of the prostate, most eunuchs take supplemental testosterone for other health purposes, which then increases the prostate size and the chances of getting prostate cancer. The remedy is to take Finasteride, which shrinks the prostate, and the genitals too, without detracting from the health benefits of testosterone. Finasteride also promotes scalp hair growth, countering the effect of testosterone in one’s body. It reduces the ability to get and maintain erections and decreases the desire for sex when even using it with testosterone, both side effects of Finasteride, a benefit for those seeking to be castrated for this purpose.

Looks like I am just one of those chemical eunuchs who have to get testosterone supplement to keep my osteopenia at bay and recover from depression and fatigue . . . .

Before the TRT, a scan showed that my prostate was extremely small. However, after 4 years of TRT, I have developed BPH. My doctor prescribed Flomax. However, at the moment, my BPH is not so serious and I have stopped Flomax. (For those who wish to develop inability to climax, Flomax is an option.)

My PCP admitted that the testosterone is a possible cause of my BPH. I tend to think that it definitely is the cause. But better BPH than osteoporosis.

And now I have