Orchidectomy (testicles removal)
What exactly does an orchidectomy involve? What happens during the operation and what is the recovery process like? On this page, you can read about the procedure, the risks involved and the period following an orchidectomy.
About the orchidectomy
An orchidectomy is a surgical procedure in which both testicles are removed. The skin of the scrotum is then closed. You may choose this operation if you wish to stop taking testosterone blockers and do not (yet) wish to, or are unable to, undergo vulva or vaginoplasty. Orchidectomy is also an option if your BMI is too high and you are unable to lose sufficient weight. You are eligible for an orchidectomy with a BMI up to 35. After an orchidectomy, you can stop using testosterone blockers. It is also easier to tuck after an orchidectomy. Before undergoing surgery, it is important that you are well prepared. You can find more information about preparing for genital surgery here.
The operation
The procedure takes about half an hour and is normally carried out under general anaesthesia by a plastic surgeon. An incision is made across the centre of the scrotum along the dark line running there. The testicles are then removed. During this process, the spermatic cord is cut on both sides. The wound is then closed. The remaining skin will shrink over time. Some healthcare providers remove part of the scrotal skin. The (partial) removal of scrotal skin may limit the options for future vulvoplasty or vaginoplasty surgery. If you are considering these operations, please discuss this with your healthcare provider. The GIF below illustrates the steps involved in the operation.
Please note: the details of the operation may vary between healthcare facilities. It is therefore important to check the exact procedure with the healthcare centre where you are having the operation.
Aftercare
You can’t go swimming, have a bath or visit a sauna for the first two weeks after the operation. This is to prevent the stitches from dissolving too early and the wounds from reopening. You may, however, take short showers. For the first six weeks after the operation, you must not exercise or lift heavy objects. This can cause bleeding or excessive fluid build-up.
Hormone treatment after the operation
After the operation, you will no longer produce sex hormones yourself. Therefore it is not necessary to take a testosterone blocker anymore, however you will continue to take estradiol. Your hormone treatment after the operation will be supervised by the endocrinologist.
Complications and risks during and after the operation
Unintended medical problems (complications) may arise during or after treatment, even if the operation has been carried out correctly. An orchidectomy carries the lowest risk of complications of the three feminising genital surgery options. Possible complications during or after an orchidectomy include:
- Bleeding: Immediately after the operation. If this does not stop on its own, a second operation may be necessary to stop the bleeding.
- Infection: Although the procedure is carried out under sterile conditions, there is always a risk that bacteria enter the surgical wound. There is also a risk of infection in the period following the operation. It is therefore important to look after the wound properly.
- Accumulation of blood (haematoma): Some blood may accumulate in the surgical area, causing it to look slightly blue or purple, like a bruise. This will subside on its own after 2–4 weeks.
- Fluid build-up (oedema or seroma): Wound fluid may also accumulate in the surgical area. If this causes discomfort, the fluid can be drained by the doctor.
- Poorly healing wound edges (wound dehiscence): After the operation, the wounds may not heal straight away, and the wound may open up slightly. Should this happen, we recommend rinsing the wound thoroughly with running tap water and, if necessary, contacting your treating doctor.
Sexual activity
Regardless of sex assigned at birth or gender identity, sexual desire is influenced by the hormone testosterone. As your body produces (almost) no testosterone following the removal of the testicles, this may affect your sex drive, even if you have been suppressing testosterone with medication for at least a year.
You can find more information about sexual activity after an orchidectomy on this page.
This text was edited on 3-11-2026
Next Step
We recommend that you go through all the information chapters step by step to get a complete picture of the various treatment options and the process involved!We strive to keep this information up to date. Do you have any additions or comments regarding the information above? Please email us at [email protected]
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Vulvoplasty
Vulvoplasty is a genital operation in which only the external part of the female genitalia (the vulva) is created. Here you can read all about the operation and the recovery period.
