Gender affirming surgery is available to men and women who want to change their sexual orientation. It involves performing procedures to change the penis and skin of a male or female to a female or vice versa. Some procedures include a orchiectomy or an hysterectomy. Some procedures include the inversion or removal of the skin.
Hysterectomy
The surgical procedure of gender affirming surgery or hysterectomy (or gender changing surgery) is when a male is surgically transformed from a girl to a boy. Approximately 0.4% of the population is transgender. Transgender people can experience symptoms such as emotional and physical pain. Transgender men have other options than medical management. Some common surgical procedures for transgender men include hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. According to the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement databases, only 3.3% of transgender patients had hysterectomy performed for a change of gender.
Hysterectomy for gender affirmation is relatively new and still evolving. A hysterectomy for gender affirmation has traditionally been performed for medical reasons. In some cases, coexisting symptoms such as gender dysphoria or pathological reasons have also led to hysterectomy. Recent years have seen insurance providers begin to cover this procedure.
Orchiectomy
One of the first steps in a transgender person's transition is orchiectomy (or testicular removal). It removes the testicles and reduces the production testosterone, the male hormone. This surgery may reduce blood clot risks, and it can simplify a patient’s hormone program.
The procedure is relatively simple and can be done on an outpatient basis. The recovery time depends on the surgeon and the technique used. It can take anywhere from two to eight weeks. It is possible to be covered by Medicare or private medical insurance.
Inversion of skin and penis
Inversion of skin or penis is a popular method of transvaginal reconstruction. It is the best option for transgender women. To create the appearance of a woman's natural vulvum, it involves inverting the penis. The recovery time can be several days and takes between three and five hours. To protect the newly placed skin, a special dressing must be applied to the inside of the vagina.
During the procedure, a standard protocol will be followed. The doctor will explain aftercare instructions to the patient. The medical team will give you a kit to do follow-up dilations at home. You will also receive follow up emails and follow-up appointments from your surgeon.
Time to recover
Post-surgery is an essential component of gender-affirming surgeries, which involve converting a male penis from a feminine one. The specific type of surgery will determine the length of the recovery period. It can take from four to eight weeks. The most common surgery is a mastectomy, but a vaginoplasty or a breast augmentation can also be done. Both procedures need at least a week's rest and can take up to five- or six weeks.
Gender-affirming surgery aims to minimize testosterone production in the body. The procedure can eliminate the need for hormone-suppressive medications and estrogen therapy. It may also preserve the ability to have a child naturally. It is possible to have gender affirming surgery, male or female, within a short time frame. This depends on the nature of the procedure and the patient.