New Age Eunuchs: Motivation and Rationale for Voluntary Castration

[mrt (imported)]

I found this on the web. I thought you all might be interested.

http://www.springerlink.com/content/hr8 ... 106&pi=100

New Age Eunuchs: Motivation and Rationale for Voluntary Castration

Richard J. Wassersug1 Contact Information, Sari A. Zelenietz2 and G. Farrell Squire3

(1) Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

(2) Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

(3) Arbody, Inc., Little Rock, Arkansas. (Deceased)

Abstract We used a survey posted on the Internet to explore the motivation of men who are interested in being castrated. Out of 134 respondents, 23 (17%) reported already having been castrated. The 104 (78%) individuals who said they had not been castrated were asked why they wanted to be castrated and why they had not actualized that desire. They were given multiple-choice answers to select from. The major reason (selected by 40% of respondents) for desiring castration was to achieve a ldquoeunuch calmrdquo and freedom from sexual urges; however, a large proportion (sim30%) of respondents found fantasies about being castrated sexually exciting and a similar percentage desired castration for the ldquocosmeticrdquo appearance it achieved (which we interpret to mean scrotal removal along with an orchiectomy). This high interest in castration as either a sexual stimulus (a fetish) or a cosmetic enhancement was unexpected and contrasted with the more classically stated motivation for voluntary castration in the psychiatric literature, i.e., libido control and transsexualism. Internet discussion groups that serve these men may encourage them to act out their castration fantasies. Alternately, Internet discussions may give them a displacement outlet for their fantasies and decrease the risk of castration by nonmedically qualified ldquostreet-cuttersrdquo or by self-mutilation. Forty percent of our respondents claimed that they would have an orchiectomy, if it were cheap, safe, and simple. A quarter wanted to try chemical castration first, but 40% were embarrassed to talk to their doctors about their interest in castration. Information now available on the Internet provides these men with increasingly easy access to street-cutters and directions on how to perform surgical castrations, putting them at risk of permanent injury and disability. Physicians need to be aware of these risks.

Contact Information Richard J. Wassersug

Email: tadpole@dal.ca

[kristoff]

This is the first small study conducted by Dr. Wassersug and the late Farrell Squire. It has been previously reported and discussed here. I do not remember if it was in the current incarnation of the boards.

It laid the groundwork for the subsequent survey study that was conducted here by Jesus and Dr. Wassersug and others. The results of that study are awaiting publication, and are much more extensive than the original survey.

Thanks for re-locating it.

[mrt (imported)]

This is the first small study conducted by Dr. Wassersug and the late Farrell Squire. It has been previously reported and discussed here. I do not remember if it was in the current incarnation of the boards.

It laid the groundwork for the subsequent survey study that was conducted here by Jesus and Dr. Wassersug and others. The results of that study are awaiting publication, and are much more extensive than the original survey.

Thanks for re-locating it.

Your very welcome. I thought it was interesting but it didn't address everyones reasons for being here of course.

[homptydumpty (imported)]

Something makes me think that this information is outdated, despite the fact that its only 2-3 years old.

Never the less, the numbers are fascinating.

[A-1 (imported)]

The cold, calloused statistics of a scientific study somehow loses the humanity of the seeker who comes here for whatever reason.

Some find what they are seeking, and some seek what they find.

All who come here have a story that cannot be reduced to statistics. Sometimes the story is physiological, sometimes psychological. Sometimes, it is sexual. Sometimes is is varying quantities of each. However, it is ALWAYS unique and ALWAYS human.

Meeting Jesus, (No, our Jesus) and Paolo was a pleasant experience for me. I could leave here and find another message-discussion board and probably be happy.

My reasons for coming here have long since subsided. Now, I come back for the people that I enjoy, my friends. And I like to think that MY experiences in life can be of some benefit to somebody looking for direction.

I like to think that my particular input will make people re-examine their issues for coming here time and time again, so that their lives may be enriched by making the proper decisions for them, after being made aware of all of the alternatives by the diversity of individuals who frequent this place.

I want to think that we cause people to hone their lives into something that is acceptable for them, after desperately seeking this place...