Advantages and disadvantages of orchiectomy as a primary treatment for prostatic carcinoma are discussed. One advantage is that the decrease of testosterone production is not achieved by the administration of the harmful oestrogen hormones. Feminisation does not occur. Cardiovascular complications can be avoided. The plasma testosterone level drops immediately. Subcapsular orchiectomy seems to be as effective as total orchiectomy. The disadvantages or orchiectomy are very few.