I was not aware of this till now, but it is recommended by most gender health clinics that pre-op transwomen under go either SRS or an orchiectomy (removal of the testes) within 2 years of starting HRT. The reason being that continuing taking larger doses of E2 and anti-androgens for longer periods increases the risk of clotting and the danger that presents.
Orchiectomy can be performed on an outpatient basis at rather low cost. A followup operation to construct the vagina, if desired, should take place within a year or two, or before the scrotal tissue shrinks too much. Not everyone wants, or can afford, full SRS surgery. I have no idea what the cost of SRS would be for me, personally, as a Medicare patient, or if I would even qualify for Medicare coverage for SRS.
The cost of an orchiectomy is much less than the cost of the drugs needed to maintain feminization for several years.
This is a new wrinkle for me to consider ahead of my appointment at HBHC next month. They will want to discuss my long term objectives and establish a plan to accomplish them. An orchiectomy might factor into that plan along with establishing an HRT regimen.
Clara
Orchiectomy can be performed on an outpatient basis at rather low cost. A followup operation to construct the vagina, if desired, should take place within a year or two, or before the scrotal tissue shrinks too much. Not everyone wants, or can afford, full SRS surgery. I have no idea what the cost of SRS would be for me, personally, as a Medicare patient, or if I would even qualify for Medicare coverage for SRS.
The cost of an orchiectomy is much less than the cost of the drugs needed to maintain feminization for several years.
This is a new wrinkle for me to consider ahead of my appointment at HBHC next month. They will want to discuss my long term objectives and establish a plan to accomplish them. An orchiectomy might factor into that plan along with establishing an HRT regimen.
Clara