Effect of castration and vasectomy on some oxidative stress parameters and blood hormone levels in rats

ABSTRACT Vasectomy and castration are the most preferred surgical methods to control reproduction in males. While sexual functions are terminated reversibly in vasectomy, they are removed irreversibly in castration. After these processes, changes are observed in hormones and oxidative stress parameters. In this study, we investigated the effects of vasectomy and castration operations on blood follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rats. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that FSH, LH, NO, and MDA levels increased (p<0.05) and testosterone levels decreased (p<0.05) in the castration group compared to the sham and vasectomy groups. Considering the data obtained from the present study, when the two operations (vasectomy and castration) are compared in rats, which are preferred for the control of reproduction, it is thought that vasectomy is a healthier method because it is reversible, does not affect hormone levels, and does not increase oxidative stress.