#ftm trans resources

[answersfromzestual]

Phalloplasty Procedure Full Outline Offical (Radical Free Flap Procedure)

What is phalloplasty/ phallo?

Phalloplasty - "includes several surgical procedures that aim to construct male genitalia that looks as natural as possible. The surgery is divided into several steps that may vary from patient to patient. Generally, they are the three following steps" (Source1) . We aren't going to count if the prerequisite of hysterectomy. Since my surgical procedure, they have removed the requisite of an oophorectomy, that procedure is now optional thanks to the always advancing technology.

The first step:

a surgery that consists of creating a penis from a skin flap from a specific area of your body (most common areas are forearm and lower back) of the body that you would chat about with the surgeon(s) and that specific skin will be grafted to the genital area.

The second step:

Here, surgeons construct the urethra that will llow urination. This is known as Urethra Lengthening (often referred to UL) (Urethra Lengthening Procedure Post)

The third step:

At this stage, you will receive testicular and erectile implants that will allow for penetrative sex. Note: this is not the only type of phalloplasty sugerical options.

The first surgical step consists of:

the creation of a penis or phallus from a skin flap and fatty tissue of the donorn site involving the removal of blood vessels (to create a blood supply) and nerves (this is where nerves are disconnected and reconnected, which can take some time to gain full tactile function or feeling. This skin will be grafted to the genital area where a penis would naturally sit on your body. The next part of the procedure is:

"the burial of the clitoris at the base of the phallus;

the creation of the penile urethra within the phallus;

the lengthening of the biological urethra;

the creation of the glans;

the creation of the scrotum;

the closing of the vaginal cavity; and

the removal of a layer of skin from the thigh to compensate for tissue loss

on the donor arm." - (Source1) Some of these things are not the same for every surgeon, be sure to ask about if your clitoris could be not buried for example, or different pumping systems, varying styles in surgerical procedures from clinic to clinic, even surgeon to surgeon.

The second step consists of the construction of the urethra:

This procedure connects the penile urethra so the part of the urethra inside the phallus itself to your biological urethra that was elongated in the first step of the phalloplasty surgical procedure. The connection of the urethra is made by creating a tube from the skin of the scrotum between the openings of both parts of the urethra.

Note that the anatomical makeup of the phallus is composed of only skin, fatty tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.

It does not contain any muscles or a sphincter (a muscle that opens and closes like your butt does aka "the breakwall"), which means that after the second step, you may have to empty your urine either temporarily or permanently manually from the portion of the phallus by applying pressure to the phallus. (UL Article)

A minimum of a six month waiting period is necessary between this and the next stage planning.

Permanent hair removal from the area that will be used to construct the urethra is also required to avoid complications (unless during the consult the doctor states otherwise). Note that it is impossible to determine in advance which area will be depilated since it must be evaluated after Step one. It is at this time that you will receive information about hair removal,

The third step:

Involves insertion of implants (erectile device and testicular implants).

This procedure will allow you to be able to get an erection in your penis (phallus) and now you have the ability of penetrative sex. Erectile Devcies Post

You will have to wait a minimum of three to six months after the second step (healing and surgeon(s) pending) and have no urinary problems before planning the third step. If complications do come up, they will have to be completely treated and healed before the implant surgery can be performed.

"Depending on the surgeon's assessment, the second and third steps may be reversed." (Source1)

Everyone has to decide whether to undergo one, two, or all three steps. Meaning you can stop after any phase/step of the three)

This choice is super personal and must be made according to what you need, your expectations of the outcome, and the impact it has on your daily life.

There are a few factors that may influence your decisions, such as wanting to urinate while standing, the desire to have penetrative sex, having more masculine genitalia, etc.

The estimated time to complete all three stages of phalloplasty can vary from two to three years, including the waiting I'm between surgeries.

These results may vary according to the age, weight, quality, and elasticity of the skin at the donor site, the scarring process, lifestyle habits and the overall health of the patients, healing, how well you take care of yourself, etc. The radial forearm free-flap technique is shown to produce the best results from bottom masculinizing surgery options.

Mandatory Prerequisites for Phalloplasty:

Hysterectomy with removal of the cervix done minimum six months before the phalloplasty procedure. *There are two options for this: removing the uterus only (called "total hysterectomy"), or option two removing the uterus, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries, also called "total hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy"*

Permanent hair removal (second step when recommended to start). The recommended options are laser hair removal or electrolysis, which may be more beneficial for results. from the area of the phallus donor site to prevent complications with hair growth (fistuals), which can cause issues such as infection and even surgerical intervention to fix the issue area(s). Surgeons typically like to see the graft site not have any hair growth for a minimum of three months.

Talk to your primary physician and/or gynecologist to help you make an informed decision about your choice on the type of hysterectomy you get.

And talk to your surgeon and your primary doctor about which option of hair removal is better suited if one is not insisted on you using it.

A vaginectomy can be removed since only 2 cm will be used for the phallus.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Before phalloplasty can be performed, it is important to know that you must have a healthy weight or have a BMI under 30, and you can not have excessive fat accumulation in your abdominal area.

"Being overweight and abdominal fat can compromise the connection of blood vessels during the procedure and lead to significant surgical complications.

If your BMI is 31 or higher you be most likely required to lose weight before the surgeon will perform the procedure.

Patients with a high BMI also have a decreased potential for healing and decreased satisfaction with surgical results." - (Source1)

Source List:

Source1 -GRS Montreal,Quebec, Canada - downloadable PDF -used as the direct quotes and most of the information

John Hopkins Hospital - used for an information source. -https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/phalloplasty-for-gender-affirmation

Cleveland Clinic -an information source (I barely used this)- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21585-phalloplasty

Article- Self written on Urethra Lengthening Procedure

Article- Self Written - Erectile Devices Available

[nothorses]

i think i cracked the code on converting regular underwear into packing underwear:

easily

using only a pair of sacrificial underwear

looks good (inside and out!), AND

keeps ur packer firmly and comfortably in place

if there is interest I can be persuaded to share my secrets

[nekhcore]

HEY YOU!

Yeah, you! Are you trans? Do you like reading books? Or watching movies?

Do you like media about trans men/transmasculine characters but don't know where to find it?

That's sooo crazy because I have this little spreadsheet I'm working on where I'm trying to document all media with protagonists/major characters who are FTM or transmasculine.

The spreadsheet currently has 400+ entries spread across the following categories:

Books

Manga

Memoirs and non-fiction

Movies

TV Shows

Graphic novels / Comics

Webcomics

Audio dramas

Books and movies are also sorted by:

Which character is trans (MC, love interest, antagonist, etc)

If the trans character is POC

The trans character's sexuality (Because I saw lots of transhet guys sad about only being able to find gay romances)

If the author/actor is also trans (if we know for sure)

It's free to use, and free to add to as well! Editing permissions are on, and I check on the spreadsheet every now and then to make sure everything is in order and to clean up.

If you know something that isn't on the list, please add it! You don't have to fill in every single column, but fill it to the best of your abilities.

If you don't want to use the big ass long link below, you can also use: bit.ly/FTM-protags

I made this because I want it to be a community resource. So even if you're not a trans guy or transmasculine person, please reblog!

[tidyturnip]

[everyponie]

transreads.org is a fantastic resource for queer literature and history, and the best part is that it's FREE! There's no excuse to be ignorant when the information is being handed to you like this.

Leslie Feinberg also has all of hir works free online if you are particularly interested in lesbian history and literature. They are available as downloadable PDFs, and I believe they are on the internet archive aswell.

transreads.org also has a great section on Palestinian queer literature if that's something that interests you, it's important that we learn about queerness outside of America. I've dabbled in a few of these books and essays and poems and they're very cool! I really do enjoy learning about queerness in other cultures, I hope you all can find joy in that too!!

if you have any good queer resources that you'd like to share pls comment or add it to a reblog!! I'll probably make a bigger masterpost later, or perhaps a Google document.

[the-trans-advice-blog]

Please please please think of trans people of color when you’re going to make a generalized statement. When you’re making posts about passing tips, medical treatments for transitioning, even light hearted stereotypes include people of color in your sentiments.

As a black trans person it is so fucking isolating to see stuff I’m supposed to relate to only to find that they weren’t talking about me or people like me.

[trans-androgyne]

Please love transmascs in a world that hates us. I’m begging you not to blindly adhere to the narrative that insists we have it easy.

We report the highest sexual violence rates of any gender category. We are being assaulted and killed. Dominant narratives consider us delusional, mentally ill little girls. Others treat us as violent sexual predators. Our reproductive abilities are considered unnatural and disgusting. We experience adverse health outcomes. We are left out of conversations and erased from histories.

We also experience the increased bullying, discrimination, suicidality, substance use issues, homelessness, poverty, etc. that come with being transgender.

Please love transmascs in a world that hates us.

[dandelyle]

then come check out the FTM library!

hey friends, I've been compiling some articles and books pertaining to us FTM guys for some time now and I think I'm ready to share it with you all. I'll add anything relevant so feel free to make suggestions!

peace 🏳️‍⚧️💖🏳️‍⚧️

[blorpingtonn]

Reminder that masc voice training is a thing! So if you have voice dysphoria you might wanna try it at least for a month and see if it helps :]

[genderqueerdykes]

hello, here with another trans, intersex & queer health post. just wanted to let folks know about a temporary side effect of hormone replacement therapy that i don't really see talked about: some folks who take estrogens and/or testosterone HRT may experience swelling in the ankles, and feet. this can also be caused by a wide variety of other conditions and medications:

however, if nothing else has changed and you're experiencing this, it could be from this. this is usually very temporary, during fluctuations or changes in dosage, and is generally harmless. most folks taking HRT never experience or notice this, but even though it's usually easily resolved with home remedies, it's important to put the information out there for people who may be experiencing this with no answers. luckily, this can usually be easily reduced by propping up one's feet, light exercise, and more. if you are experiencing this and want to read more:

[answersfromzestual]

Penile/ Phalloplasty Erectile Devices

There are two main types of penile implants:

Inflatable Devices

Semi-Rigid Rods Device

We will go over inflatable devices first. There are two mainly used types of inflatable penile implants used in phalloplasty, as well as cis men with health issues.

What are they?

Inflatable devices are the most common type of penile implant used, especially on phalloplasty procedures.

The two types are:

Three- Piece Penile Implant

Source

Three-piece inflatable implants use a fluid-filled reservoir implanted under the abdominal wall, a pump [in your main hand side] and a release valve placed inside the scrotum [and slightly located above the pumping mechanism], and two inflatable cylinders located on each side of the penis.

To achieve an erection, you pump the fluid, which is salt water (saline fluid), from the reservoir into the cylinders. Afterward, you release the valve inside the scrotum to drain the fluid back into the reservoir. Usually, this is done by holding a small button on the release valve.

In both devices, the reservoir is filled with salt water (saline water) the day of surgery and remains in the device.

This particular system [three-piece] is how I get an erection/ deflate my erection.

Two - Piece Penile Implant

Source

The two-piece model works similar to the three- piece, but the fluid reservoir is part of the pump implanted in the scrotum. This device is not the most effective at maintaining total flaccidity (it may sometimes look slightly erect). This device has more limitations on types and styles of penetration/sex. Be sure to ask if there are limitations with the device and its particular model that was implanted.

In both devices, the reservoir is filled with salt water (saline water) the day of surgery and remains in the device.

The last commonly used erectile device is called:

Semi-Rigid Rod Penile Implant

Source

Semirigid rod devices styles are always firm. The penis can be bent away from the body for sexual activity and toward the body for concealment. There is no inflating or deflating.

A "positionable penile implant" is a semirigid device with a central series of segments that are held together with a spring on each end. It can maintain upward and downward positions better than other semirigid rods can.

What is best for you? Comparison Images:

Source

Most clinics have their own style of procedure that involves a certain type of erectile device. You may or may not have a choice with certain clinics, so make sure you research clinics and make sure they fit with your chosen device and procedure.

This article was written about just implantation of these devices in general, the different devices, and their functions. If you are interested in sexual intercourse, especially penetration, consider where you want to penetrate.

For example, some men are not able to perform anal sex with the two-piece option, while some men are able. Always ask your doctor before leaving the clinic about the sexual acts you can/ cannot perform. You can seriously injure yourself if you try something your device is not capable of.

I hope you enjoyed the article and know a little bit more about the selection of erectile devices for phalloplasty. I hope this helps you make an informed decision.

Stay Golden Everyone ✌️ 💙 💜

Source used 1

Source used 2

Source used 3

[uncanny-tranny]

Don't get me wrong, I think it's perfectly acceptable that trans people don't always have certain surgeries and procedures, but I think something is to be said about the amount of trans people I have seen bash a certain gender-affirming procedure.

It's totally fine to not want some or any surgeries, but it's still transphobic to say "I think the results are ugly/look mutilated" or that trans surgery is "rudimentary" or "experimental" - even if you're also trans.

The idea that certain gender-affirming surgeries are mutilation or experimental is a classic form of transphobia, so it really does hurt seeing other trans people propelling those same talking points.

[chronicallyleggless]

Transgender userboxes! (Full pack)

[kissycore]

^^resource for any trans people in LA looking to get their name/gender marker changed. i highly recommend taking advantage of free legal clinics like the one above. paralegals helped me fill out the forms, sent me detailed instructions on how to file my paperwork, and they helped me apply for a california court legal fee waiver so that i didnt have to pay a cent when filing my petition of name/gender change OR for certified copies of the completed court order after it went thru.

[unnatural-vessel]

Uh so I’m starting my social transition FTM do u (as a much learned wise man) have any advice? Like something u would tell you your younger self that u feel people should know when transitioning? Or just in general advice

okay first of all. per my sideblog’s 6k post, you do not need to lose weight to pass. please write that in permanent marker and leave it in your head.

second of all. Be your own guy. you have individuality before transition you can keep that while you are transitioning. be unique!! be different!! do your own thing!!

masculinity is a thing that has to be forged. when i just started transitioning i didn’t know what the hell masculinity was meant to mean. i had been agender for like 2 years and had lost concept of most gender. if you don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing, KEEP DOING IT.

if you feel you’re like a fool, presenting masculine, becoming a boy, you are not! you are becoming your true self and no one else is allowed to care because this is who you are. dress how you want. do voice training or don’t. use a masculine name or don’t. it Does Not Matter. this is your transition, no one else’s. you decide what happens here.

if you’re like how i was at first and you don’t know how to dress like a guy or act like a guy? best advice i’ve seen is look for the guys that are like you. guys come in all types of masculinity. try to focus on one type of masculinity for now, whichever type of masculinity is closest to you.

if you can’t find a good type of masculinity? MAKE YOUR OWN. in fact this should actually be what you do first. MAKE YOUR OWN MASCULINITY.

you do not need to be like anyone else at all. you dress how you like, use whatever voice you like, whatever name and presentation you like.

you are a guy because you say you are.

(these are just some real general tips i’ve got, i’ll make a post later on sideblog for more specific stuff i started doing)

[aidenlydia]

Got a few similar messages like this, so I think it’s time to make a little resource list about everything transgender related:

Basics:

Legal status of Transgender people - list of countries and their various transgender rights

Queer and Trans Spectrum Definitions - basic reference guide to common words

Non-surgery options:

Gender Affirming Gear and Clothing Brands - definitions, methods without surgery and brand suggestions

Voice training:

Masculinize your voice - Transmasculine voice - FtM voice Training (all for pre-T)

E-girl voice tutorial - Girl voice tutorial - How to do a girl voice - How to do the druew voice

Tips & Tricks:

How to hide a large chest - FtM passing tips - FtM make up - coping with being pre-T

Boy to Girl make up tutorial (beginner) - Boy to Girl Transformation tutorial - The Transfemme Field Guide

HRT:

Masculinizing Hormone Therapy - taking testosterone, how it works and what to expect

Feminizing Hormone Therapy - taking estrogen, how it works and what to expect

FtM Surgery Options & Details:

Top Surgery - removal of breasts

Facial masculinization - facial surgery

The Difference Between a Metoidioplasty and a Phalloplasty - masculinizing bottom surgery

Deciding between phalloplasty and metoidioplasty PDF - masculinizing bottom surgery

MtF Surgery Options & Details:

Breast Augmentation - breast implants

Voice feminization - vocal cord surgery

Facial feminization - facial surgery

Vaginoplasty - feminizing bottom surgery (with vaginal canal)

Vulvoplasty - feminizing bottom surgery alternative (without vaginal canal)

Note: there are no explicit images, however some sites offer additional links to stores that sell realistic looking private parts or links to surgeon galleries where one can view post-op results (which come with proper warnings)