San Francisco
2299 Post St. Suite 207
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 530-5335
Los Angeles
1317 5th St #300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 751-5886
Orchiectomy is a feminizing gender-affirming surgery that removes one or both testicles.
At Align Surgical Associates in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, we approach orchiectomy with clear information, thoughtful planning, and recommendations grounded in your embodiment goals and future surgical preferences.
An orchiectomy is a surgical procedure that removes one or both testicles through a small incision in the scrotum while preserving the phallus. In gender-affirming care, this is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
Because the testicles are the body’s main source of testosterone, this procedure can significantly lower testosterone levels and may affect hormone management after surgery.
There are different approaches, depending on your surgical plan:
Your plan starts with what matters most to you, such as function, sensation, privacy, recovery realities, and your day-to-day life.
We'll be transparent about what a technique can and can't reliably do for your anatomy and priorities, and we'll explain why we're recommending a particular approach.
We don't reduce care to a single concern or body area. We look at your goals, your comfort, and what's safest and most supportive for you overall.
We understand that many patients come in with complex past healthcare experiences and strive to create an environment where you always feel respected, welcomed, and seen at every step.
Gender-affirming surgery isn't a side offering at Align—it's our life's work.
Care and language change over time. We are dedicated to staying current, listening, and adapting.
An orchiectomy may be a meaningful option for transgender women, transfeminine patients, nonbinary individuals, and other gender-diverse patients who want to lower their testosterone production through surgery.
It may also appeal to patients who want to reduce or stop testosterone blockers, are not ready for vaginoplasty, or want a smaller surgical step before deciding on additional bottom surgery procedures.
Because an orchiectomy removes the testicles while leaving the scrotal tissue in place, it may preserve more flexibility for future genital reconstruction than scrotectomy, which removes the scrotal sac.
Some surgeons "offer" gender-affirming surgery among many other services. For Align, it's the center of our life's work. Our 6 board-certified surgeons have committed themselves wholly to gender-affirming care and research. This means we aren't just helping patients reach their embodiment goals; we are helping to make their care better—better understood, better supported, and performed in the best way possible. Meet the specialists behind the transformations.
Recovery after an orchiectomy usually involves soreness, swelling, bruising, activity restrictions, and careful wound care during the early healing period. Your board-certified Align surgeon will give you guidance on incision care, hygiene, support garments if needed, and when it is safe to return to work, exercise, and sexual activity.
Gender-affirming care, including orchiectomy surgery, is often covered by insurance. If you are using insurance, we will guide you through the authorization process and what to expect.
If you prefer to pay out of pocket, we will give you a personalized quote based on the details of your surgical plan, including whether your orchiectomy is performed on its own or as part of a broader surgical plan.
Travel planning can involve a lot of moving parts, especially when you're coordinating around surgery. If you're coming to Align from outside the Bay Area or Los Angeles, we have resources specifically for you.
As with any surgical procedure, orchiectomy carries risks, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, healing concerns, and changes in sensation. Orchiectomy is also permanent: Once the testicles are removed, testosterone production is significantly reduced, and sperm production stops.
If biological parenthood may be important to you later, fertility preservation should be discussed before surgery.
Yes. Once the testicles are removed, the procedure cannot be reversed.
Many patients no longer need testosterone blockers after an orchiectomy, but your prescribing provider may still need to adjust your hormone regimen after surgery.
Often, yes. Because an orchiectomy usually preserves the surrounding scrotal tissue, it may still fit within a future vaginoplasty plan.
We recommend booking a consultation when you want clear guidance on whether an orchiectomy aligns with your embodiment goals, how it may affect hormone management, and how it fits into any future gender-affirming surgery you may still be considering.
When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Request an in-person or virtual consultation using the online form or call Align Surgical Associates to get started. We are proud to offer orchiectomy for Los Angeles and San Francisco patients, as well as individuals traveling from outside of California.
San Francisco Office: (415) 530-5335
Los Angeles Office: (310) 751-5886
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