Kastrointi

Kastrointi, commonly referred to as castration in English, is the medical procedure that either surgically removes gonads or suppresses their function, resulting in sterility and, in many cases, altered hormone levels. The term covers both surgical and, in some contexts, chemical methods that reduce or stop gonadal activity.

In veterinary medicine, kastrointi is widely used for population control and health benefits in pets and livestock. Female animals are usually spayed (ovariohysterectomy), removing the ovaries and often the uterus; male animals are neutered (orchiectomy) by removing the testes. Procedures are generally performed under general anesthesia and carry risks such as infection or anesthetic complications. Long-term effects can include a reduced risk of certain reproductive cancers, changes in behavior, and potential weight gain if diet and exercise are not adjusted.

In human medicine, castration can be surgical (orchiectomy or oophorectomy) or chemical (hormonal therapy) to treat hormone-sensitive conditions such as prostate cancer or certain disorders linked to hormone production. In some jurisdictions, chemical castration has been used as a legal or corrective measure in specific jurisdictions for sex offenses, subject to ethical and legal oversight. The choice of method depends on medical indications, patient consent, and local regulations.

Kastrointi raises ethical considerations, including animal welfare, the balance of benefits and risks, consent in human cases, potential side effects, and the availability of alternatives such as non-surgical sterilization or reversible hormonal suppression.