Raised a eunuch: a case report of testicular loss without androgen replacement in a pre-pubescent boy

Bilateral testicular torsion with testicular loss is a rare condition in prepubertal youth. This case represents one of the only documented cases of a modern, pre-pubertal youth raised as a eunuch through adolescence.

This is a case of a pre-pubertal boy (Z) who suffered bilateral testicular torsion and gonadal loss who was raised as a eunuch through adolescence.

Throughout his adolescence, Z demonstrated no deficits in psychosocial functioning, and displayed no intellectual or learning deficits. Compared to his peers and younger brother, Z was less interested in physical and competitive activities, preferring more supportive, pro-social behaviors, like caring for children.

In this case, hormonal deprivation and delayed puberty did not appear to impact neurodevelopmental processes or psychosocial development. This case has potential issues for other areas of healthcare where concerns have arisen around long-term pubertal suppression.