The main difference between castration and vasectomy is that castration is irreversible whereas vasectomy is reversible.
Castration and vasectomy are surgical procedures that cause male sterility. Castration involves the removal of the entire testicles. This stops the production of sperms, and testosterone, the male reproductive hormone. Vasectomy is cutting out a small piece of vas deferens, sealing the ends. It prevents the sperms being ejected from the penis while maintaining the hormone level as it is.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Castration
– Definition, Procedure, Effect
2. What is Vasectomy
– Definition, Procedure, Effect
3. What are the Similarities Between Castration and Vasectomy
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Castration and Vasectomy
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Castration, Testicles, Testosterone, Vas Deferens, Vasectomy
What is Castration
Castration refers to the removal of testicles of a male animal. It is a type of neutering which involves the surgical removal of the reproductive system of an animal completely or to a greater extent. Castration is also called gonadectomy. The excision of both testes is clinically called bilateral orchiectomy. Chemically driven castration uses pharmaceutical drugs that deactivate the testes. Reproductive organs of a bull is shown in figure 1.
Figure 1: Animal Castration
The main purpose of castration is to prevent overpopulation. Since castration involves removal of testicles, sperms, as well as testosterone, are no longer produced. Testosterone is responsible for most of the aggressive behavior of male animals. Therefore, these animals become calm after castration.
What is Vasectomy
Vasectomy refers to the surgical cutting and sealing of a part of vas deferens. The vas deferens is the tube through which sperms travel from the testicles to the prostate gland. Hence, the blockage of the vas deferens prevents the sperms from leaving the testicles. Vasectomy is mainly done in males. The surgical blockage of the Fallopian tubes of females is known as tubectomy.
Figure 2: Vasectomy
The production of sperms remains as it is inside the testicles. However, since they have no way to come out, they are absorbed by the body. The production of testosterone is also not disturbed in vasectomy. Hence, vasectomy is a 100% effective method of male sterility that prevents pregnancy.
Similarities Between Castration and Vasectomy
- Both castration and vasectomy are surgical procedures that cause male sterility.
- Both prevent the ejection of sperms from the penis.
- Both aid in birth control.
Difference Between Castration and Vasectomy
Definition
Castration: Removal of testicles of a male animal
Vasectomy: Surgical cutting and sealing of a part of vas deferens
Surgical Procedure
Castration: Removal of testicles
Vasectomy: Cutting out vas deferens, sealing the two ends
Sperms and Hormones
Castration: Not produced
Vasectomy: Produced
Effect
Castration: Become asexual and lose masculinity
Vasectomy: Sexuality remains as it is
Reversibility
Castration: Irreversible
Vasectomy: Reversible
Done in
Castration: Animals
Vasectomy: Humans as well as animals
Conclusion
Castration is the surgical removal of testicles while vasectomy is cutting out of the vas deferens. Both are methods that lead to male sterility. Castration is irreversible whereas vasectomy is a reversible process. Only animals are subjected to castration. But, vasectomy is done in both humans and animals. The main difference between castration and vasectomy is the reversibility of each process.
Reference:
1. Clark, Josh. “Everything I Know About Castration.” Stuff You Should Know, HowStuffWorks, 12 Aug. 2013, Available Here
2. “Vasectomy (Male Sterilisation).” NHS Choices, NHS, Available Here
Image Courtesy:
1. “Image from page 97 of “Animal castration; a book for the use of students and practitioners” (1920)” By Internet Archive Book Images (No known copyright restrictions) via Flickr
2. “Vasectomy diagram-en” By K. D. Schroeder (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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