Orchiectomy in Beverly Hills
Standalone testicular removal. A first genital step for many patients, and sometimes the only genital surgery they want.
A complete operation, not only a prelude
Orchiectomy removes the testes. For transfeminine patients it ends gonadal testosterone production, which can lower the estrogen dose needed for suppression and can ease dysphoria around the genitals even when vaginoplasty is years away, or never. It is outpatient for most people. It is still surgery, with a scrotal incision, swelling, and a recovery you should not drive through on the way to the airport.
Some patients stop here. Some use it as a bridge to vulvoplasty or vaginoplasty. Scrotal skin that might be used later should be discussed before we operate, so a simple orchiectomy does not spend tissue a later reconstruction needed.
Insurance commonly covers gender-affirming orchiectomy. Letters and pre-authorization are still the usual California pathway. We coordinate with your hormone prescriber on post-op dosing. Call (310) 247-4729 or start pre-authorization.
How we approach it
Simple orchiectomy
Removal of both testes through a scrotal incision, with attention to comfort and a quiet scar.
Skin-sparing when later reconstruction is likely
Incision and tissue handling that keep scrotal skin available for vaginoplasty or vulvoplasty if that is on your map.
Hormone coordination
Your prescriber is looped in. Testicular testosterone goes to zero; dosing should change on purpose, not by accident.
Standalone or combined
Often alone. Sometimes with another procedure when the recovery windows honestly overlap.
What to expect.
Consult
Fertility wishes, later genital plans, and medical history. Sperm banking, if you want it, happens before surgery, not after.
Authorization and scheduling
Letters, insurance, and a date that does not collide with travel or work you cannot miss.
Surgery and a short recovery
Most patients go home the same day. Support at home for the first nights is not optional.
Frequently asked questions
Will I still need spironolactone or other blockers?
Usually not for gonadal testosterone. Your hormone clinician adjusts the regimen. We do not change prescriptions from the recovery room without that conversation.
Does orchiectomy make later vaginoplasty harder?
Not if we preserve the skin those operations use. Tell us if a canal or vulvoplasty is likely. A purely ablative approach is only right when you are sure you will not need that tissue.
Is orchiectomy covered by Medi-Cal or LA Care?
Typically yes when documented as gender-affirming care. Pre-authorization is still common. Start at /insurance/pre-authorization.
Ask about orchiectomy
Fertility, later reconstruction, and hormones belong in the first visit.