chemical castration, the use of drugs to suppress the production of sex hormones. Chemical castration differs from surgical castration in that it is reversible and its effects typically stop when the drugs are ceased. Chemical castration is used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, and in some countries it is used as an intervention to deter sex offenders. Chemical castration is sometimes also referred to as medical castration. Chemical castration was first introduced as a method to reduce pathological sexual behavior in the 1940s, with diethylstilbestrol (DES), which lowers testosterone levels, being the first drug administered to individuals. ...(100 of 576 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!