In this procedure, the surgeon removes the testicles with or without the scrotum. This procedure stops most testosterone production, which allows patients to adjust their doses of anti-androgens and estrogen, and may help some patients with dysphoria related to having testes or needing to address testosterone in their hormone therapy regimen. Your surgeon may ask if you plan to stop with orchiectomy or if you’re considering other procedures in the future (it’s fine to change your mind!) because this could affect the optimal surgical approach. This is an outpatient surgery and you will usually go home the same day; be prepared for some soreness, discomfort, and bruising as you heal.
Some surgeons have strict requirements when it comes to getting clearance for ochiectomy. Once you’ve had this procedure, you will not be able to produce sperm—so if you think you might want to contribute your genes to someone in the future, you should make arrangements to bank your sperm for future use.
This section is part of a larger piece, Trans Summer School: The Wide World of Surgical Transition.
