Connect
← Return to Anyone considered bilateral orchiectomy: Why or why not?
Discussion
Anyone considered bilateral orchiectomy: Why or why not?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Jun 3 1:19am | Replies (88)Comment receiving replies
Hello, I had my prostate removed over 2 years ago and my PSA remained low for 6 months but since then it has been steadily increasing up to 0.1 as the latest figure. My urologist suggested ADT to keep it uncer control. I am now 75 and seriously considering it rather than go through radiation treatments. I no longer want to produce children! I am thinking of a bilateral orchiectomy for my ADT. I know it is permanent, but if things improve I will ask to go on HRT and possibly get implants at that time. I see this as a good solution as it will have none of the side effects of the ADT drugs and the necessessity to remain on them for the future. Does this sounc crazy to some?
Replies to "Hello, I had my prostate removed over 2 years ago and my PSA remained low for..."
@john1951 I suggest you think very carefully about bilateral orchiectomy. I had my orchies removed 4 months ago, and it was the worst mistake I have ever made. Testosterone and estrogen levels in my blood both went to zero, which introduced a profound and continuous fatigue. For 2 months, I could do little more than lie in bed and stare at a wall. I now wear estrodiol patches which, over several weeks, restored some capability, but I am nowhere near as capable as I was before the surgery. I did research the procedure (on this forum and others) before proceeding, and ALL postings said no biggie, go right ahead. I was not so lucky.
Connect
@john1951
ADT is not a lifetime sentence. When you stop it, your testosterone comes back. Have the surgery and that won’t ever happen.
The radiation treatments are really not that bad for salvage radiation. I had it many years ago and had no side effects at all. I can give you a significant number of years before you need to do anything. I am 78 and I’ve been on ADT for eight years because I have a genetic problem. While I got a lot of hot flashes in the beginning They’re no longer much of a problem. There are many side effects from ADT, which will be identical if you have the surgery.
I live a normal life besides the fact that I go to the gym three days a week because the loss of testosterone really does deteriorate your muscle muscles.