A eunuch is historically defined as a male who has been castrated, typically to serve a specific function within a court, harem, or religious order. Castration was common across various ancient and imperial cultures, leading to frequent questions about how such an individual manages urination. This article clarifies the anatomy and physiological mechanics of voiding urine following the physical alterations that define a eunuch.
The Urinary System’s Independence from Reproductive Organs
The process of urination, known as micturition, is controlled by a system largely distinct from the reproductive organs removed during castration. Urine is produced in the kidneys, transported down the ureters, and stored in the bladder. The bladder’s ability to store urine and the voluntary control over its release are governed by sphincter muscles and neurological signals that are not physically altered by the removal of the testes.
The external urethral sphincter, a ring of skeletal muscle, provides the primary voluntary control over urine flow. This muscle is located in the pelvic floor, behind the external genitalia, and its function remains intact after castration. Although the male urethra passes through the penis, the core mechanisms of continence and bladder emptying rely on internal organs and muscles unaffected by the procedure. Therefore, the ability to sense a full bladder and control the urine stream remains functional.
Urination Mechanics Based on Extent of Castration
The method a eunuch uses to urinate depends entirely on the extent of the surgical alteration performed. Historically, castration encompassed a spectrum of physical removals, leading to two primary scenarios for voiding mechanics.
The most common form of castration, a simple orchiectomy, involves removing only the testes while leaving the penis intact. In this scenario, the individual’s urinary anatomy remains functionally identical to that of an uncastrated male. The urethra retains its full length, running through the penis, which directs the urine stream. Therefore, a eunuch who underwent only this procedure would urinate while standing, just as before.
In contrast, certain historical practices, particularly those associated with the Chinese Imperial Court, involved a more complete removal, sometimes called a “clean cut” or penectomy. If the entire external genitalia, including the penis and scrotum, were removed, the anatomical pathway for urine exit was drastically altered. The surgeon had to create a new, permanent urethral opening, or meatus, typically located closer to the body in the perineum (the area between the scrotum and the anus). This procedure is anatomically similar to a perineal urethrostomy.
With the directing structure of the penis gone, the new meatus releases the urine stream directly from the base of the body. This anatomical change makes standing to urinate impractical, as the stream cannot be projected away, leading to unavoidable splashing. The individual must adopt a seated or squatting position to void, directing the flow downward to maintain hygiene and control.
Daily Practicalities and Hygiene
The shift in anatomy dictates differences in the daily practicalities of hygiene and toileting. For individuals who retained their penis after simple castration, daily routines were unchanged. The ability to urinate while standing allowed for the use of urinals and required no special adaptation for public facilities.
However, those who underwent complete removal and had a relocated meatus required a modified approach to toileting. The obligation to sit or squat required the use of a private stall, affecting voiding management away from home. The short distance between the relocated meatus and the body meant that urine could easily dribble or pool around the area after voiding.
This anatomical change necessitated increased attention to cleanliness to prevent skin irritation and infection. Historically, the new opening was prone to urethral stricture, a narrowing of the channel that could impede urine flow and lead to complications. To combat this, historical records indicate the use of objects like metal plugs or quills, inserted into the meatus, to keep the passage dilated during healing. The daily routine required careful wiping or cleansing of the perineal area after each void to maintain meticulous hygiene.