I have gender identity disorder. Would a vasectomy lower my testosterone levels?
Hi I’m a 22 year old male-to-female transgender person in the process of transitioning. I would like to know if any form of sterilization or vasectomy could permanently reduce testosterone levels, or preferably stop the production of testosterone. In the future I do not want my own children. I only want to adopt. There are a lot of kids in the world without family.
Answers from doctors (3)
No. It does not affect testosterone levels.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A vasectomy does not influence the testosterone levels. Removing the testicles will reduce testosterone. There are medicines used for prostate cancer that can decrease testosterone levels by taking away the brain's ability to stimulate the testicles. In terms of having children a vasectomy would make you sterile, but other methods or medicines would be necessary to decrease you testosterone.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A vasectomy would not lower your testosterone levels - it only stops sperm from making their way out. Usually the estrogen preparation that you are probably on does two things - first it stops the production of testosterone (sometimes completely, sometimes mostly) and second, it helps with feminization (enlargement of the breasts, for example). Spironolactone helps to block the effect of any testosterone that is still being made. So, a vasectomy would not help. Finally, if it is appropriate, we often perform removal of the testicles before full confirmation surgery as this allows the person to stop spironolactone and eliminate any testosterone production - but we only move to that step when all the behavior health therapists, the patient, the surgeon, and the primary care physician decide it is a good idea for that patient. I hope this helps.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Related Questions for Vasectomy
Sections
Affiliations
