Orchiectomy / Castration

Orchiectomy / Castration

(noun | to castrate, verb, -s, -ed, -ing. Uncommon form)

Castration refers to blocking the production or effects of testosterone in the body, either through chemical means, or through surgery. Surgical removal of a person’s testicles is more commonly referred to as an orchiectomy or ‘orchi’. Trans women who still have testicles may use a drug like spironolactone to block T, in combination with estrogen. Orchiectomy is the surgical removal of the testicles, which the following definition will describe in some detail. 

Content warning for somewhat graphic descriptions:

There are at least two types of orchie commonly performed. One uses an incision in the scrotum itself.  The testicles are pulled down, severed, and the cords tied. This leaves more of the cords behind. The other procedure makes two diagonal incisions in the abdomen above the groin. The cords and testicles are pulled up and out, severed, and tied off. This removes most or all of the cords along with the testicles.

e.g. Lucy was grateful that her insurance covered her orchiectomy.

Further reading to gain expanded context:

What You Should Know About Orchiectomy | Healthline

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