Orchiectomy as Bridge or Alternative to Vaginoplasty

Marah C Hehemann; Thomas J Walsh

doi:10.1016/j.ucl.2019.07.005

Orchiectomy as Bridge or Alternative to Vaginoplasty

Urol Clin North Am. 2019 Nov;46(4):505-510. doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2019.07.005.

Authors

Marah C Hehemann¹, Thomas J Walsh²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Urology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, 2180 Pfingsten Road, #3000, Glenview, IL 60026, USA.
² Department of Urology, University of Washington, 1959 Northeast Pacific Street, BB-1121, Box 356510, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. Electronic address: Walsht@uw.edu.

PMID: 31582025
DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2019.07.005

Abstract

Simple orchiectomy for gender affirmation is a low-risk, minimally invasive, generalizable procedure that eliminates circulating endogenous testosterone, allowing reduced hormonal supplementation. This article describes a technique that serves as a step in definitive phenotypic transition while maximally preserving healthy tissue for future sex reassignment surgery. Orchiectomy should be offered routinely as a bridge or alternative to vaginoplasty, particularly in the setting of limited access to specialized centers for transgender surgery.

Keywords: Gender dysphoria; Gender identity; Orchiectomy; Sex reassignment surgery; Transgender.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Female
Gender Dysphoria / surgery*
Gynecologic Surgical Procedures*
Humans
Male
Orchiectomy*
Sex Reassignment Surgery*
Transsexualism / psychology*
Vagina / surgery*