Castration in humans refers to the removal or deactivation of the testes, resulting in the loss of reproductive ability and a reduction in the production of hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. This can be achieved through surgical means, known as orchiectomy, which involves the removal of both testicles, or through chemical means using pharmaceutical drugs to deactivate the testes. Castration has been historically used for various purposes, including as a form of criminal punishment, religious devotion, obtaining a soprano voice, and for eugenic reasons. In modern times, it is primarily performed for medical treatment, such as in the case of androgen deprivation therapy for advanced prostate cancer. Additionally, chemical castration is used as a therapeutic treatment or as a way to punish certain criminal behaviors.
Castration can have serious physical and psychological consequences, and it is important to consider the ethical and medical implications of such procedures. The historical and contemporary contexts of castration in humans reflect a complex interplay of cultural, religious, medical, and legal factors.
