Article on eunuchs I'm working on.

[Fen (imported)]

Topic:

So you want to be a eunuch?

Intro:

An elective eunuch is a man who has decided to eliminate or severely reduce testosterone from the body. Although this may be a step on a transsexual path, a eunuch does not seek to become a woman. It can be considered a fourth sexual orientation, with the others being heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual.

Body:

<b>Uh...WHY?</b>

<p>

Why would anyone want to be a eunuch? Some have no choice. Cancers of the testes require removal of the entire testicle. Cancers of the prostate feed on testosterone, so one must become a eunuch to stave it off. A much smaller minority will choose to become a eunuch. On the irrational side lie some fetishes and fantasies. But there are some who rationally choose to reduce testosterone to focus on more fulfilling aspects of life. For those who wish to transcend our human body (transhumanists), it is a natural first step. It is like being a kid again--when the joy of wonder was so much a part of the world. Fortunately, there are many different ways to become a eunuch, both reversible and irreversible.

<p>

<b>Irreversible means.</b>

<p>

Surgical castration is also known as a bilateral orchiectomy. It is simply the removal of both testicles from the scrotum. The scrotum may be removed at this point as well. While you're at it, you can even remove the penis as well, resulting in nullification. Removal of testicles will cut down the amount of testosterone in the body drastically. However, some will still be produced in the adrenal glands. The chemical methods mentioned later should take of that small amount if needed.

<p>

<a href=http://www.geocities.com/sherrylanina/C ... ml>This</a> site will give a good overview on which doctors will perform this procedure. Dr. Kimmel appears to be the best solution for those who simply want this procedure done, without being on a transsexual path. The link mentions $2000 as the surgery price.

<p>

One upcoming solution is being developed by Gonex. It is a single shot that can castrate both males and females of humans and other related animals. It relies on the similarities of the sex organs in all mammals to permanently disable the testes or ovaries. The status of this drug has not been updated in a few years, but it might be in trials on companion animals now.

<p>

<b>Reversible means.</b>

<p>

<a href=http://www.inhousepharmacy.com/bcp-horm ... ndrocur</a> is a pill that reduces the level of testosterone in the body. It only works as it is taken, so it is reversible. From this link and others, it is available without a prescription to the United States. It will cost around $128 per month, depending on how much you take and where you get it from.

<p>

Depo-Provera, better known as an injectable contraception for women, is also considered chemical castration. At about the same dosage as for women (150mg every three months), it is the equivalent of surgical castration.

<p>

Sexual dysfunction is also a common side effect of drugs, generally considered to be unwanted. The class of antidepressant drugs known as SSRIs all have some negative effect on libido. They do not directly cause a drop in testosterone, but likely modify how the brain deals with sexual signals.

<p>

<b>Effects of castration.</b>

<p>

<a href=http://www.geocities.com/sherrylanina/C ... ml>This</a> is a personal page of someone who underwent castration without hormones. You will not be mistaken for a woman, but your muscle mass and strength will go down. Having to shave facial hair less should be a bonus for most. Of particular interest is the serenity that can be the result, known as the "eunuch calm":

<blockquote>

Four days after my castration I was walking across downtown Philadelphia to meet someone new, and as I walked it seemed that waiting for traffic lights and other little annoyances did not bother me so much. Was this an effect of castration? Six days post castration I returned to work. This workday was unusually hectic because it was a Monday and the plant had just installed some new lines but didn't yet know how to run them smoothly. All of this happened while I still felt some pain where the surgery was done, and yet I still felt so calm when the day was all over. I was definitely feeling the effects of castration and most certainly felt better all the time without testosterone. Ten days post castration I felt as a feather floating around everywhere. I just kept feeling better and better. For me the serenity was the strongest of the castration effects, followed by the decrease in libido.

</blockquote>

<p>

Sexually, it is not quite black and white. Apparently some eunuchs may still be able to have sex and even orgasm, although there will be little or no fluid present, as the accessory glands that produce the bulk of the fluid will be inactive from lack of testosterone.

<p>

For physical castration, irreversible infertility is an obvious result. Banking sperm is advised if possible. However, there are some breakthroughs in medical technology that may allow the DNA from any cell to be used in making sperm. More work along the same line may even allow you to grow new testicles and put them back!

<p>

Testosterone replacement is available by a variety of means. A pill is easiest to take, but is not good at supplying a constant level of testosterone for the body. An intramuscular injection can work, but only for a few weeks. Some patches are available that appear to work--similar to the ones used for nicotine or birth control. A replacement of testosterone will allow full orgasms with fluid, although no sperm. It should be no different than a vasectomy then.

<p>

One thing to remember with any reduction in testosterone is to check bone density. Take extra calcium as a precaution, and get a DEXA bone scan if possible. It's important to consider these facts early so you know that there are some drawbacks.

<p><p>

For personal testimonies and more information, check out the message boards at the <a href=http://eunuch.org>Eunuch Archive</a>.

<p>

The community of eunuches is not well known. GLBT has become known as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transexual. An "e" deserves to be in there, to represent eunuches.

[Andrew (imported)]

Every Eunuch will have different effects from his castration. Some of this may depend on whether he is an “elective” Eunuch or not. YMWV = Your Mileage Will vary. Some side effects of castration are:

Infertility, in all cases.

Many (but not all) elective eunuchs develop “The Eunuch Calm”, with reduced or eliminated thoughts of sex, aggression, and ambition. In the words of Dr. Spector, “either case of TS or eunuch, a deep, calm serenity develops which, from then on, makes life far more worthwhile.” This has happened to me, but again, YMWV. This is less likely to happen to non-elective eunuchs.

Reduced libido, erections, and nocturnal emissions, sometimes to the point of total asexuality.

Weight gain, including subcutaneous body fat. This thin layer of fat causes the skin to become softer and smoother.

Loss or thinning of body hair, but male pattern baldness slows down or stops. Reduced body odor.

Loss of lean muscle mass (hence muscle weakness, increased fatigue, and loss of stamina). Your shoulders will become narrower and you will lose muscle definition in your upper torso without a VIGOROUS exercise program.

Little to mild breast development (gynecomastia), and mild fat redistribution around the hips and thighs.

The penis may shrink.

Hot flushes and night sweats in some cases, lasting up to 5 years.

POSSIBLE moodiness and tearfulness. Do not be surprised if you start crying far more frequently over what may seem to be trivial matters.

There MIGHT be cognitive losses, mostly in spatial orientation and short term memory

Post-surgical depression is common. Possible chronic depression SHOULD be a major concern, and may require professional therapy. This is far more likely to happen to non-elective eunuchs.

The WORST side effect is osteoporosis. You should take at least 1,500 MG of calcium and 400 IU of Vitamin D daily. Shortly before or after castration, you should have a bone density scan, and after that a scan every two years. A proper diet and exercise program will help in the battle against osteoporosis.

Most Physicians have no experience in caring for a hypogonadal man. Consider finding a Physician who has a thorough working knowledge on the problems and treatments of menopausal and post-menopausal women. Whilst the biology of a Eunuch and a post-menopausal woman are not identical, there is some overlap.