Vaginoplasty is a process of removing the penis and testicles and creating a vagina through surgical procedures. This helps in relieving and curing gender dysphoria. It is usually performed for sex reassignment reasons for constructing a neovagina and a neovulva from pre-existing genital tissue. This surgical procedure includes the creation of the vaginal canal, the creation of the clitoris, the creation of the labia, and the shortening of the urethra. Patients describe the surgery as providing them with a high level of satisfaction, as it allows for sexual activity with the help of new genitals. There are various techniques for performing vaginoplasty.
Types
The most common one is penile inversion, which constructs a vaginal canal by using penile skin. The second technique includes peritoneal vaginoplasty, which uses the lining of the abdominal cavity and intestinal vaginoplasty, also known as colovaginoplasty, in which a neovagina is created by using the sigmoid colon.
Creating female-appearing genitalia and maintaining sexual sensation are the main goals to achieve through vaginoplasty.
Preparation needed before surgery: guidelines
Preparations involve long-term requirements such as:
- hormonal therapy, generally for one year and
- Psychological evaluations, like a mental health letter, are required to prove that you are mentally prepared for vaginoplasty
- In addition to a rigid preoperative regime including permanent hair removal and following a particular diet and bowel preparation from the preceding day.
- Furthermore, you must stop the use of nicotine for at least three months before.
- Managing certain pre-existing conditions like cardiac issues and diabetes is necessary.
- Moreover, the fertility preservation process should be discussed beforehand.
Preserving fertility before vaginoplasty
Generally, the removal of sperm producing testicles is performed during vaginoplasty, thereby causing loss of fertility. Therefore, the patient must consult with the doctor about sperm cryopreservation beforehand. Sperm cryopreservation is the process of freezing sperm for an extended period. But, still, there is a risk of having potential damage to the sperm during freezing. This process stops the biological activity.
Recovery and aftercare
- Initial recovery involves staying at the hospital for three days to one week, following multiple weeks of restricted activity and controlling pain.
- The early three months are perilous. They require constant daily dilation.
- Common symptoms that show up after surgery include: swelling, pain, bruising, temporary use of a catheter, and various other psychological adjustments are to be made.
- Bed rest for at least a week is recommended.
- Moreover, avoiding baths for about two months is advised.
- Complete recovery may take up to one year.
- Scars will be there, which would change colour and soothe over half or a full year.
- Furthermore, emotional upheaval will be faced due to the change in genitals.
Conclusion
Having 40+ years of excellence in gender affirming surgeries, VJ transgender clinic provides you with an excellent experience filled with satisfaction. Our aim is to make you achieve high confidence and self-esteem through our surgeries. Our team brings a wealth of experience to every surgery, ensuring utmost satisfaction, thereby achieving amazing results. We take pride in providing professional guidance, ensuring that the patient’s requirements are addressed with a great level of care.
