Post Orchiectomy, now at 12 months.

Well it's been 4 weeks since the Orchiectomy and thought I'd post an update. Bit of an explanation of the types of surgery first.


Orchiectomy is a surgical method of castration in which one or both testicles are removed. The removal of both testicles specifically can be referred to as a bilateral orchiectomy.

There are three main types of orchiectomy: simple, subcapsular, and inguinal. The first two types are usually done under local or epidural anaesthesia, and take about 30 minutes to perform. An inguinal orchiectomy is sometimes done under general anaesthesia, and takes between 30 minutes and an hour to complete.


A simple orchiectomy is commonly performed as palliative treatment for advanced cases of prostate cancer. The patient lies flat on an operating table with the penis taped against the abdomen. The surgeon makes an incision in the midpoint of the scrotum and cuts through the underlying tissue. The surgeon removes the testicles and parts of the spermatic cord through the incision. The incision is closed with two layers of sutures and covered with a surgical dressing.

A subcapsular orchiectomy is also commonly performed for treatment of prostate cancer. The operation is similar to that of a simple orchiectomy, with the exception that the glandular tissue that surrounds each testicle is removed rather than the entire gland itself. This type of orchiectomy is done primarily to keep the appearance of an ordinary scrotum.


An inguinal orchiectomy can be either unilateral or bilateral. The surgeon makes an incision in the patient's groin area (in contrast to an incision in the scrotum, as is done in both simple and subcapsular orchiectomies). The entire spermatic cord is removed, as well as the testicle(s). The prosthetics are then installed via the incision(s).

In my case I opted for the Inguinal (bilateral) with prosthetics installed. It was performed as a day surgery, in at noon, out at 5 PM, under general anaesthesia. Two incisions, basically from the top of the scrotum and up in the groin 4 inches. This type is normally done when you're having the prosthetics installed and don't want the weight placed on a scrotal incision.

Ok, that's taken care of. Woke up in recovery feeling the normal grogginess and a bit of discomfort and having to pee big time. The nurse gave me a bottle and did my thing. 30 minutes later had to go again, nurse accompanied me to the can, did my thing, went back got dressed and left. Apparently voiding is a good sign, especially twice!

At home recovery is basically the same as for a Hernia repair or and RP, no heavy lifting, take things easy etc. Sutures installed are dissolvable so no need to have them removed. Pain is minimal but a fair amount of discomfort as you might well imagine. All in all really not a big deal physically.(for me).

As for the side effects ( you attain castrate level Testosterone in about 2.5 hours), I've had minor hot flashes and minor night sweats, pretty much from the get go. The worse so far has been fatigue, it borders on severe a lot of days, other days not so bad. Honourable mention goes to emotional roller coaster and bouts of depression, manageable when you know the cause. The rest of the common SE's of HT are sure to follow (become noticeable) in due time I'm sure! All in all I'm doing fine and don't regret the surgery, I have another "non mainstream" strategy for the future after I become castrate resistant, but that's another story. Oh, and by the way, orgasm is unaffected, so trimix, implants, pumps etc should work the same.

The new "balls" are great if you're wondering, I now have a set! He put in bigger ones,sense of humour, or compassion I guess.

Cheers, Doug

May I ask two questions ?

1. Why new balls instead of none, personal preference ? medical reason ?

2. What is your strategy if you become castrate resistant ?

Thank You

Nice job Doug, good luck with continued recovery

Thanks Lisa, that's what got me thinking. Seems like a logical approach as QOL is paramount to me and "cure" is out of the question at this time.

Cheers, Doug

That would be it Peter, or whatever else comes up in the meantime, you never know! When your back is up against a wall.....

Cheers, Doug

Thanks Shaba, its gratifying to know the difference between a MAN and a man. You Da MAN!!

*applause*

Make those little sob's work for a livin'

Doug,

Thanks for sharing this information on orchiectomy and your own treatment with us. All the best to you for continued recovery.

Well, received my second post Orchiectomy PSA report today, <0.02. So six months out still in remission, doing well so far!

Interesting article in Monday's Dallas Morning News about PC and castration.

dallasnews.com/lifestyles/health-and-fitness/health/20150601-learning-to-live-with-castration-anxiety.ece

Howdy Allen, I'm moving down to Windsor (across the river from Detroit) in 3 weeks so will be putting a new team together and will have to make those plans with them. I'd like to have everything put together during the next 3 months so some therapy can be put in place when required. I will certainly keep you informed!!

Cheers, Doug

JFL, let me check..... Actually the right hangs lower. Since I have no use for real ones anyway these are great! Sat on them on bicycle seat the other day and didn't feel a thing!

Cheers, Doug

Plus, according to one study anyway, you may actually live longer without all that nasty testosterone in you:

videos.huffingtonpost.com/castration-increases-male-lifespan-eunuch-study-suggests-517489184