Title: Chemically Castrating: How It Works, Uses, and Side Effects
Headings: What Is Chemical Castration?
What Is Chemical Castration?
What is chemical castration?
About LHRH agonists
Treatment is ongoing
What are the side effects of chemical castration?
Other potential risks
How long does chemical castration last?
What’s the difference between chemical and surgical castration?
Medical uses of chemical castration
Chemical castration for people who are incarcerated for sexual violence
Takeaway

Content: Chemical castration may be beneficial for prostate cancer that has spread or recurred after first-line treatment. Prostate cancers tend to be castration-sensitive early on. Over time, they can become castration-resistant, but may still be responsive to: anti-androgens
chemotherapy
immune therapy
Chemical castration can also be used to slow the progression of male breast cancer. Chemical castration for people who are incarcerated for sexual violence
Because it can reduce libido, some countries chemically castrate people who are incarcerated for sexual violence. A handful of states within the United States have legalized chemical castration for people who are incarcerated for sexual violence. It’s usually used as a condition of parole. It’s not clear that lowering your sex drive is enough to prevent sexually violent offenses. Not every person will completely lose sexual function. Chemical castration also relies on long-term compliance, which can be a concern.