Castration
From Encyclopedia of Sex and Sexuality
The surgical procedure removing the testicles in men or the ovaries in women. In both men and women it often results in hot flashes and flushing episodes. Castration is only very rarely recommended for women because it tends to lead to osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), as well as the menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and changes in secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast size. Among men castration may be indicated for the treatment of prostate cancer. In such cases, the testicles are usually removed in a simple surgical procedure through an incision in the scrotum.
Often the patient will have the procedure performed and go home the same day. For men who are concerned about the cosmetic effects of castration, prostheses with an external appearance almost identical to testicles are available to place in the scrotum. Since drugs can provide the same effects as castration, many patients choose to have medical treatment rather than surgical castration. However, surgical castration is a simple, one-step procedure that provides definitive treatment for men requiring it, mainly victims of prostate cancer that has spread elsewhere.
Surgical castration can provide an almost immediate resolution of bone pain and a subsequent improvement in the obstruction of the urinary passage from advanced prostate cancer. However, medical and surgical castration both result in a decrease in sex drive, or libido, in both men and women, and changes in erections in many men.
