Anyone considered bilateral orchiectomy: Why or why not?

Bilateral orchiectomy (with implants) scheduled for next week.

After much study and discussions with doctors and friends that have opted, or been steered to, non-surgical androgen suppression therapy, i chose to undergo bilateral orchiectomy with simultaneous reconstruction (implants) 4-17-2024.(i think of this as the male version of a double mastectomy with reconstruction)The procedure went well and i am recovering without complications. There is some swelling but i expected that. Ice bag helps a bunch.If anyone has chosen this path i would like to hear about your pre and post op experiences.Since i am only 72 hours post op there is not much i can share at this time other than the peace of mind i have knowing that we shut down testosterone production by 95% in one surgical procedure.Also; my urine flow seems better but to early to tell.

BG. Just had it done at Mayo (Jacksonville) this past Wednesday. Did you find someone to do it?

That was a very ballsy decision Ozzie51. Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I need to see humor when possible. On a serious note I have wondered why this isn't a more discussed option vs pumping our body full of synthetic hormones. I know it sounds drastic but the other options don't seem much better. I am scheduled to start hormones in a week. It makes me ask, what led you to make this decision? I wish you well in your recovery and a long life!

DW,
In the old Readers Digest there was a small section called "Laughter is the best medicine." and i couldn't agree more.
On that note: If the surgeries last Wednesday was a ball game, i pitched the first 2 balls, then i got sent to the dugout to sit out the rest of the game. 🙂 🙂 🙂

On a serious note, that's a good question. We could come to some conclusions but i think ultimately it would be counter productive and off topic.

NOTE: i was never "offered" orchiectomy as an option.
Having done my homework, and knowing there are only 2 avenues to achieve "castration", i requested the surgical avenue.

Drastic? Maybe to some, but to me it was less so.

What led me to make the decision?
Many things, but ultimately i am convinced it was the right decision FOR ME. It was based on a ton of research i did, and in consultation with family and friends who are in the medical field, including a recently retired urology oncologist.
My urologist understood and supported my decision. i can't say enough good things about him.
i hadn't even considered the implants until he mentioned it and asked if i wanted them. i said, "sure, why not".

Perhaps you should talk with your urologist and have an in depth discussion on this topic before starting hormones. There is no "one size fits all" solution.

Final thoughts:
- Orchiectomy IS technically and clinically considered hormone therapy.
- The hematology oncologist was not happy with me. Not one bit...
- i will still need to do antiandrogen therapy to deal with the remaining 5% testosterone production that comes from the adrenal glands. While that falls under the hormone therapy umbrella, the synthesized compound is not a hormone.

Anyway, i am up and walking around and i will be attending service tomorrow. That's important medicine too!

Blessings and best wishes for you.

Well said my friend. Each one of us has to make our own decisions and bear our on cross. May the good lord bless your journey! Nice comeback with the pitching analogy by the way😁

I had it done in 2021 after the chemo pills side effects were more than I could tolerate while still trying to do my secular job. Little uncomfortable at first but satisfied it was the right move.
Good luck on your journey.

@ozzie51 and @dwb1, you may also be interested in this related discussion:
- Anyone considered bilateral orchiectomy: Why or why not?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bilateral-orchiectomy/
I'd also like to invite @rxharleydude to join in.

Ozzie, it's been a few more days since your procedure. How are you doing a week out?

Thanks for asking Colleen.

i am coming along quite well.
i didn't ask enough questions regarding what to expect post-op, so i've had a couple of surprises, but nothing earth shattering.
Urine flow has already improved dramatically, and that's way earlier than expected. Such a blessing!!!
80+% of the swelling has disappeared and almost looking like i did pre-op
i am very happy with this route taken and have quickly progressed to speaking of it quite candidly with family and friends.
i really do see it as the male equivalent do a woman's double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery 😉

Ozzie, like BG, I had mine done at Mayo Jacksonville about two years ago. I was very happy with the results of the procedure. It went well, and I would highly recommend it, especially to those of you who are older and aren’t concerned about appearance, etc. I did not elect to have the implants. It has been a real blessing not have to go in every three months for a shot, especially in view of the fact that Mayo switched from Lupron to Eligard (which in my opinion was very painful.) best of luck with the procedure and I’ll be praying for you!