For transwomen, an orchiectomy can be a safe and very effective procedure to achieve a more dramatic feminine appearance. It is designed to eliminate most of the body’s natural production of testosterone which means discontinuing anti-androgen medications. Because most of the body’s natural testosterone is gone, the estrogen no longer competes with it and the body can achieve further feminization.
Many transwomen are not interested in genital confirmation surgery also known as bottom surgery. However, they still desire to achieve a feminine body. The orchiectomy is a very safe and effective procedure for this population. When combined with estrogen therapy, transwomen can achieve better and faster feminization.
This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis where small incisions are made in the scrotal area to remove the testicles. The scrotum sac is sometimes left when the transwoman desires genital confirmation surgery in the future. This is because the scrotal sac is used to effectively create a vagina. Other transwomen desire to have the scrotal sac completely removed. All options will be discussed by your surgeon prior to surgery.
You will recover quickly and can return to work in 1-2 weeks. You will experience some pain and discomfort in the groin area but this can be managed by medication and the pain should subside during the recovery period.
It is important to note that an orchiectomy is an irreversible procedure so the surgeon will require two letters of approval. These are usually by an endocrinologist and a licensed therapist.
At the International Center for Transgender Care, our surgeons have over twenty years of experience treating transgender patients. Contact us to schedule a consultation at (972) 543-2477. We look forward to assisting you in achieving the very best results for your transgender orchiectomy surgery.
