Among our diverse patient base, eunuchs often desire gender-affirming surgery. Those in this segment of the population are perhaps the least visible and are often misunderstood. Dr. Keelee MacPhee performs penectomies and other surgery for eunuchs.
According to the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), eunuchs are defined as individuals assigned male at birth whose testicles have been surgically removed or rendered non-functional and/or who identify as eunuch. This is a separate classification from men whose organs are non-functional due to advanced prostate cancer.
The eunuch identity is a gender identity of its own, and can as well be a sole identity with no gender affiliation. Most eunuchs live as men, but some may identify as transgender or nonbinary.
Eunuchs have been present in society throughout time, with early examples found in ancient Chinese, Middle Eastern and Indian cultures, to name a few. It was believed that the lack of sexual motivations made eunuchs more trustworthy and focused. Therefore, men were made eunuchs through castration to serve as high-ranking administrators or loyal servants.
Today, many who choose to be castrated do so to achieve a “eunuch calm,” a state of reduced libido and lower aggression that comes with the elimination of sexual urges. Others become eunuchs for a complex mix of motivations, including gender dysphoria, alignment with body integrity or for religious or spiritual reasons.
While the number of modern-day eunuchs is unknown, various forums, online resources and conferences indicate that eunuchs are very much a part of today’s world. Online engagement related to the eunuch identity often revolves around the topic of castration.
Dr. MacPhee acknowledges, respects and professionally treats eunuchs – as well as all gender-diverse people who experience gender dysphoria and seek gender-affirming surgery. She performs several medically safe forms of genital reconstruction for patients who identify as male-to-eunuch. These procedures may, in some cases, be similar to surgeries for non-binary patients.
Penectomy surgery for eunuchs
People with eunuch identities may seek a penectomy to remove their penis. Some choose total removal of the penis and scrotum, while others may choose to leave the scrotum.
Orchiectomy surgery for eunuchs
A bilateral orchiectomy is the removal of the testicles while leaving the penis intact. This procedure may also involve a scrotal skin reduction, or scrotoplasty.
Nullification surgery for eunuchs
Nullification is genital reconstruction that results in a smooth pelvis with only urethral and anal openings. With this procedure, Dr. MacPhee designs a new urethral opening that has flexibility of the surrounding tissue and will not become a long-term urinary problem.
Dr. MacPhee and her staff are sensitive to the unique needs of every individual considering gender-affirming surgery. With the goal of helping people align their physical body with their identity, she consults with each patient to understand their needs and design an appropriate procedure.
Visit our photo gallery to see surgery for eunuchs and other genital reconstruction procedures.
For more information about the eunuch identity, refer to the online Eunuch Archive.
