tzone

Willowitch · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 28

Hi

Does anyone know if it's possible to have an orchiectomy in the UK either privately or otherwise.

BB

Steph

**Reenie** · Reporter Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 3577 Location: Glasgow

I presume you mean through normal medical channels.

Otherwise: I know for a strange veterinary nurse who only requires Homo Sapiens to complete her collection of Somerset fauna.

Willowitch · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 28

Hi

I know of the many, rather unpleasant ways of going about it. Normal medical routes will suit me just fine!

You have a singular wit!

BB
Steph

GenderQuest · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 451

I'm very sure it is possible and I'm fairly certain it is possible on the NHS (for trans reasons rather than, say, cancer), though I expect there would be many conditions to be met for NHS help there. I don't unfortunately know anything about this for certain.

Stella Maru · Joined: 11 Feb 2007 Posts: 2248 Location: Brighton

GenderQuest wrote:

I'm very sure it is possible and I'm fairly certain it is possible on the NHS (for trans reasons rather than, say, cancer), though I expect there would be many conditions to be met for NHS help there. I don't unfortunately know anything about this for certain.

I shan't say that this has never happened, as one always finds odd exceptions to any general rule in the NHS, but I have never myself heard of such a case.

The fragmentation of the gender reassignment process into discrete procedures is highly profitable to private practitioners, but loss-making to socialized medicine.

**Reenie** · Reporter Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 3577 Location: Glasgow

Willowitch wrote:

You have a singular wit!

Capital, Watson!

Yet it takes two hemispheres...

**sgian** · Advisor Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 194 Location: london

if you are considering GRS at a future point then i wouldn't have this done.once the testicles are removed the scrotal skin will shrink and it would be very diificult to form a neo vagina with the remaining tissue.it would be better to stick with an anti androgen.
if you have this on the NHS or privately you will still need a psychaitric assessment as this is irreversible surgery.some people have this done when they can't tolerate antiandrogens.you haven't really explained why you want this done?

Willowitch · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 28

Hi

I don't know how long it will be before I can afford SRS and I dont want to be on anti androgens for too long.

I have read that removal of the testicles does resut in shrinkage and so a good depth cannot be achieved. However, I have heard that there are ways around this. Besides, I have no interest in sex.

BB

Steph

la_glitch · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 434

Quote:

Besides, I have no interest in sex.

you may feel like that now, but i'd advise caution as you don't know how you're going to feel in the future.

other things to consider are what is your HRT doseage right now? what level and type of E are you taking and what type of anti-androgen are you on? your cause for concern over long-term issues may be greater than the reality. although i can understand the worries about being on any medication for any amount of time. however, if you're getting decent blood work done regularly you should be covered.

also, also, in defence of the orchi, it does depend on what type of procedure you eventually wind up going for. some procedures allow skin grafts to be used for the vaginal lining, and some skin grafts aren't all that hideous to live with in terms of scarring.

also, also, also, are you totally dead set on having it done in the UK? the actual procedure, i believe, is relatively straight-forward and can be performed as day surgery under local anastetic. one place i know of in thailand offers it for $1500, which is about £800ish, and you'll spend about £500 on the flight. i'm sure there is somewhere in the EU that can offer it as well probably at a slightly higher price, but it still won't cost the earth and the travel will be cheaper anyway. i must admit, i've never heard of anybody receiving one or even tracking one in the UK either. my friends who chose such a route have all been american and have either had it done in the US or have travelled abroad for the procedure.

if you were thinking of going private and you're aiming on having SRS in the future i'd honestly ask the surgeon who performs the procedure what they thought regarding implications for future surgery though, especially if it is unknown when you're going to get it.