It has been some time since I last posted here. Some of my friends from the Archives have been curious as to why. I have changed my whole way of thinking about castration since I had my testicles removed. I have not enjoyed the life after because of the needed testosterone replacement treatments. I first tried the injections every two weeks but toward the end of that period my testosterone level hit the bottom and my energy decreased. On top of that my mood swings became apparent to all around me, some thought I was having PMS which technically I was. I talked with my doctor as well as my psychiatrist, they decided it would be best for me to try Androderm the skin patches. These work way better in leveling out my energy and mood swings but in the summer the persiration causes the adhesive to come undone. On top of that you cannot bathe, shower, or swim with the patch on because it ruins the patch. I have to put it on every evening after my shower and remove it the next day (hopefully it is still on) before I shower again. So to answer all of your questions I do not think being a eunuch is a glamorous or smart way to live. Males in the past were castrated to keep them from reproducing or having sexual desires. Many unfortunate boys lost their testicles so they could save their voices to sing to God. Think long and hard on this decision to lose body parts that are so important in maintaining normal functions. It is not glamorous no matter what others may tell you, by the way I lost mine due to testicular cancer and had no choice like you do.

hello Knightfire,

It's nice to see u here. I never have seen any of your posts. Im sorry for all the things u have gone through. And I am sorry this castration was not a decison you wanted. I think you you gave some good advice on thinking twice about castration, especially to some of the younger guys wanting to be castrated. Well , anyway glad you took the time to explain to everyone what's been going on in your life.

Takecare my friend, Lilac , your chatroom flower

Knightfire,

What you have written is valuable advice for many of the readers of the Eunuch Archive. I have interviewed a number of voluntary eunuchs who are members here and have found a range of reactions. Some regret their decision; others (most) are completely pleased with it. Some made the decision to be castrated rashly; most only after long and thoughtful analysis of its consequences – both positive and negative. For those where it is a voluntary decision, it’s important to think through as many aspects of the decision as possible before taking any irrevocable step. I have started the thread Consequences of Castration (http://www.eunuch.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=4616) in order to help that thought process.

Please consider writing up your thoughts and experiences for addition to that thread. While you are NOT a voluntary eunuch, your reactions to the consequences of castration should be of permanent value to the members here.

Remember, especially, that you are always welcome on the Archive and that there are many members here ready and willing to help with advice and support. This is one of the friendliest and most helpful places that I have found on the web.

Jesus Angel Azevado, Ph.D.

Knightfire (imported) wrote: Tue Nov 16, 2004 1:30 pm I have changed my whole way of thinking about castration since I had my testicles removed. I have not enjoyed the life after because of the needed testosterone replacement treatments. I first tried the injections every two weeks but toward the end of that period my testosterone level hit the bottom and my energy decreased....... I talked with my doctor as well as my psychiatrist, they decided it would be best for me to try Androderm the skin patches. These work way better in leveling out my energy and mood swings but...... I lost mine due to testicular cancer and had no choice like you do.

Your experience is unfortunate. Perhaps you should try AndroGel. It's a cream applied it to the skin (upper abdomen, shoulders and upper arms where the skin is thinest) following morning showering or bathing. The same prohibition about not getting wet for 5 hours following application applies, but one doesn't have to worry about something falling off. I'm surprised your docs haven't suggested it. My doc suggested it for a couple of years before I switched from the bi-weekly injections. While I was satisfied with the injections as a way of obtaining testosterone, the gel saves the frequent trips to the doc's nurse for the injections, and it supposedly has the advantage of most closely mimicing the body's natural testosterone cycle (highest in morn, trailing off towards evening). Now I see my doc only for annual physicals - unless I have other complaints requiring medical treatment.

My knowledge is that guys whose loss of their testicles was involuntary have more difficulty adjusting to the loss. This is quite natural if one thinks about it. Mine was sort of in between. While I resisted removal in my mid 20s when a urologist first told me that the pain I felt in my testicles would only get worse with age, I was quite ready for their removal in my mid-50s following several trips to emerg after one ascended to the top of my inguinal canals causing severe pain and after I had started testosterone replacement though nominally intact. I have no doubt that castration was a good decision in my case. Of course, younger guys with higher natural testosterone production are losing the most hormonally if their testicles are removed.