Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Self-castration

  • Case Report
  • Published:
Irish Journal of Medical Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Deliberate genital self-mutilation is rare. Successful self-castration has been reported in a small number of individuals.

Method

This study reports one such case of self-castration in a transsexual who was dissatisfied with waiting times for sex reassignment surgery (SRS).

Result and conclusion

The apparent triggering factor in this case appears to be depression related to the lengthy waiting times for SRS. As neither psychotherapy nor hormonal manipulation is successful, consideration should be given to improving the resources for patients with genuine gender dysmorphism.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Schweitzer I. Genital self-amputation and the Klingsor syndrome.Aust New Zealand J Psychiatry 1990; 24; 566–9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Eke N. Genital self-mutilation.Br J Urol 2000; 85: 295–8.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Rana A, Johnson D. Sequential self-castration and amputation of the penis.Br J Urol 1993; 71:750.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Gleeson MJ, Conolly J, Grainger R. Self-castration as treatment for alopecia.Br J Urol 1993; 71: 614–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Mendez R, Rely WF, Morrow JW. Self-emasculation.J Urol 1972; 107; 981–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. McGovern S. Self-castration In a transsexual.J Accid Emerg Med 1995; 12: 57–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Lundstrum B, Fauly I, Walinder J. Outcome of sex reassignment surgery.Acta Psychiatr Scand 1984; 70: 289–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    D. Murphy, M. Murphy & R. Grainger

Authors
  1. D. Murphy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. M. Murphy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. R. Grainger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Murphy, D., Murphy, M. & Grainger, R. Self-castration. Ir J Med Sci 170, 195 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03173890

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03173890

Keywords

Search

Navigation