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Psychosomatic Medicine 2:74-87 (1940)
© 1940 American Psychosomatic Society

Effects of Castration upon the Sexuality of the Adult Male

A Review of Relevant Literature

EDWARD S. TAUBER M.D.1

1 Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Columbia University, New York, N. Y.

Progress in the field of the sex hormones prompted a critical review of the literature dealing with the effects of castration upon the sexuality of the adult male. Following an historical survey, observations of various investigators were grouped for convenience under separate headings. The most extensive studies were made on soldiers who had suffered war injuries. A wide variety of sexual responses, including apparently normal ones, was observed following castration. Biological and psychological factors seem to play a definite rôle in the adequacy of sexual performance. The evidence from the literature did not allow of any final settlement of the problem resulting from castration. However, it was felt that many of the former misconceptions and myths about the effects of castration could be finally set aside, and that we are prepared to approach these issues scientifically through the coordination of different lines of investigation. The rôle of emotional conflicts and faulty attitudes was discussed and physiological studies that had a direct bearing on our problem were included for consideration. A psychiatric study before, as well as psychiatric follow-up after gonadectomy seemed highly advisable on therapeutic and investigative grounds. This would afford an opportunity to study the specific symptom formations and changes in the distribution of anxiety. Such observations are indispensable for a genuine far-reaching attempt to understand the castrate.

Note:

This study was made possible by a grant of the National Committee on Maternal Health through funds from the Sex Biology gift to Columbia University.




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V. HUFFER, W. H. SCOTT, T. B. CONNOR, and H. LOVICE
Psychological Studies of Adult Male Patients with Sexual Infantilism Before and After Androgen Therapy
Ann Intern Med, August 1, 1964; 61(2): 255 - 268.
[Abstract] [PDF]


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