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Castration in Germany

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Annals of sex research

Abstract

The medical and legal application of castration, including the forced castration of sexual offenders in Germany during the Nazi period from 1934 – 1945, is discussed in a cultural-historical introduction. A contemporary sample of 104 voluntary castrates (70% pedophiles, 25% aggressive sexual offenders, 3% exhibitionists, and 2% homosexuals) was examined. The survey was based on a representative follow-up investigation (response rate of 95%), covering approximately 20–25% of all orchidectomized sexual offenders between 1970 and 1980 in the Federal Republic of Germany. The results are contrasted with a comparison group who applied for castration during the same period but ultimately did not have the surgery.

Sexual interest, libido, erection, and ejaculation generally decreased in 75% of the cases within 6 months. Approximately 10% remained sexually active for years on a slightly diminsihed level, whereas 15% reported sexual outlets over a longer period of time, but they required more intensive stimulation for sexual release.

The post-operative recidivism rate for sexual crimes was 3% maximum, compared to 46% maximum for non-castrated applicants. Similar results between both samples were obtained in a special recidivism index which examined deprivation of liberty following approval of castration surgery. The social adjustment of the castrates, also seemed to be more favorable than that of the non-castrates. Of the castrates, approximately 70% were satisfied with the intervention, 20% were ambivalent and 10% were not satisfied.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Klinikum der Christian - Albrechts, Universitat zu Kiel, Kiel, Federal Republic of Germany

    Reinhard Wille Prof. Dr. med. Dr. Jur & Klaus M. Beier Dr. med. Dr. phil.

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  1. Reinhard Wille Prof. Dr. med. Dr. Jur
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  2. Klaus M. Beier Dr. med. Dr. phil.
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Wille, R., Beier, K.M. Castration in Germany. Annals of Sex Research 2, 103–133 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00851318

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