Franches

Franches is a former patient of GrS Montréal et of Dr. Pierre Brassard. She is a strong proponent of self empowerment through knowledge and experimentation. Franches is also the author and publisher of HolaSoyYo.com (‘Hello, it’s me’ in Spanish), a blog where she shares her experiences and thoughts on changing gender expression.

www.HolaSoyYo.com

Not long ago, a close friend of mine asked me how to have a natural relationship with a neo-vagina? She was considering genital reconstruction surgery, but she felt uncertain about it. Hence her question to me. She had heard from a few friends that it took them up to 2 years to be ok with their post-op anatomy. That lag from her friends in becoming comfortable with their results made her doubtful.

After thinking hard about her question, I had an answer. I am sure that I have a healthy – good relationship with my neo-vulva (I had a vaginoplasty without cavity) because of my preparation for surgery.

When I say “preparation for surgery” I don’t mean packing my suitcase with everything I needed for the trip. I mean everything that lead me to consider the surgery and live with myself afterwards. Looking back, I can break up this preparation into 3 major phases. They are mostly sequential, but not necessarily. A consistent element through these major phases was making sure I’d answer each and every question I had about the process.

When I was offered to write this article, my first full draft was 7,000+ words long! As you can imagine, that would be too long for a single post. I decided to rewrite this more condensed version. Then I broke up my original long draft into 3 separate posts and linked to them from here. If you want to know more, at the end of each section in this article you’ll find a link to the longer, more detailed version on my blog.

First Phase: Unheeding From My Old Ways of Thinking

Where I Was Coming From

Let’s start from the beginning, a time before I even started considering surgery seriously. All my life I believed that changing my gender expression was not in the cards for me. Despite this I always wondered what it would be like to grow up and live in a girl’s body. Cut to 2015 when I started HRT along with changing my gender presentation. At that time, I simply wasn’t interested in genital surgery. I still kept that view after going full time, after having facial feminization surgery (FFS) and after my breast augmentation. It was sometime in 2017, while I was making arrangements for my mammaplasty, that I started thinking about a vulvoplasty or maybe a vaginoplasty. Yet every time I thought about surgery, there was something in my head stopping me from seriously considering it. It felt like I had a lot of questions but wasn’t even sure if I wanted to know what those questions were.

Wondering What Would Life be After Surgery

I could not clearly visualize how my life would change after surgery. This was one of the first mental blocks preventing me from considering surgery. Yeah, there were some changes that I was keen on, like not having to tuck anymore, but there were others I wasn’t sure.

An early question I had to answer was if I’d be able to pee sitting down for the rest of my life. Gee, even just writing this makes me see how basic the question was, but I didn’t see it like that then. Though I’d been peeing sitting for several years, I didn’t do it always. I’d pee standing if I felt a situation was too unsanitary.

To get the answer I was looking for I forced myself to pee sitting or squatting for about a year. I did it every time, no exception. Of course, it was possible, just the way 50% of the population has done it all their lives, but I had to experience it. I also wondered how my (scarce) sex life may change. For this one I was already satisfied without getting an accurate answer before surgery. Speaking with Dr. Brassard beforehand, he explained the procedure and how the glans would very likely still be erogenous. At the end I was happy with not knowing for sure but understanding my chances.

Rethinking my Relationship With my Genitalia

Here I get really personal, but I feel it’s important to open up. Though I don’t expect everyone to see my point of view, probably someone might relate a little. At the very least opening up helps explain a major hurtle I had before considering surgery. I clearly see now that this was my hardest mental block but then I wasn’t even aware of this. As mentioned above, most of my life I never thought I’d change my gender expression. Part of it was that I was happy with my body and the genitalia I was born with. It never caused me dysphoria or unease. If anything, I was ok with it and had lots of fun with it. Maybe that’s why it took me so long to start considering getting a vulvoplasty.

Digging Deep

Every time I thought about surgery, I felt there was something that wasn’t adding up. So I dug deep to find out what didn’t add up. After a lot of soul searching, I found I was allowing my penis to define me. This was a breakthrough because I could finally see what my main mental barrier was. If anything, this speaks a lot about how the patriarchal environment I grew up in affected me.

There was a tug of war in my mind. I wanted to consider surgery but how would I even think of getting rid of what defined me. Again, digging even deeper I questioned why I thought the genitalia I was borne with defined me. As soon as the question was asked the answer appeared: it clearly didn’t.

At that point my relationship with my penis switched from an element that defined me to something that didn’t add much value. I saw that after living full time it kind of got on the way more than anything. From that point on I could seriously consider having genital reconstruction surgery. If that mind shift hadn’t happened, most certainly I would have had a hard time developing a healthy relationship with my post-op physiognomy. You can read more details on some other mental barriers I had and how I dare to consider surgery on HolaSoyYo.com

Second Phase: Serenity Through Knowledge (Pre-op)

Once my primordial questions were answered it was time I’d get into the details. I wanted to get to know as much as I could about the surgical procedure. By doing so I could understand better what to expect aesthetically and during recovery. Then and only then I felt I’d be able to make a decision to either go ahead or not. At the end, all this knowledge helped me evolve a natural relationship with my results after surgery. Post-op it helped me get an intimate understanding what was done and how that influences my daily life.

Considering Surgeons

When it came to looking at surgeons and/or surgical centres, luck was on my side. My medical insurance covered surgery at GRS Montreal.

However, cost or insurance coverage was not the only or the main factor. The aesthetics of their results, my ability to have low friction communication, and their experience were the other important points I considered. The idea was to have all those elements ensured to feel at ease with the surgery, and more importantly with myself long term.

The patient coordinator at GRS Montreal helped me arrange a consultation with Dr. Brassard. A number of weeks prior to my surgery I spoke with him over the phone. At that time, he answered my long list of questions. This also gave me a small insight into the surgeon’s personality and philosophy. On top of this, knowing that they perform hundreds of genital surgeries a year, both male and female, added to my confidence in them.

Thoroughly Understanding the Procedure

As I’ve mentioned a few times, I did not decide on having surgery until I understood the procedure, risks, and recovery protocols. I spent countless hours reading and learning about the different feminizing genital surgery options. Personally, I rather get medical facts opposite to personal accounts from other patients. The main reason is that anecdotal information is always coloured by the speaker. On the other hand, medical documentation is often based on years of impartial clinical observations, for the most part.

I based my understanding of the procedure mostly from the package that GrS Montreal sends its patients. Also, by reading about the procedures on the websites of multiple surgeons/surgical centres helped me grasp the concepts. The information package from GRS Montréal contained invaluable details about pre-op preparations, the procedure itself, and aftercare protocols.

I strongly advise anyone considering genital surgery to read the official documentation. Parts A,B, and postoperative care (Part C) of GRS Montréal’s patient information package are linked off their website. Look for the links at the end of their respective webpages, which are also quite insightful:

• Vaginoplasty
• Vaginoplasty without vaginal cavity (vulvoplasty)

I too relied heavily on my discussions with the psychologists during each of my two surgical assessments. Before deciding on having surgery, I went through the assessment process to get medical information, not to get approved. I believe this gave me some clarity because during the assessments I was not rushing ‘to get accepted’. Rather my interest was to learn as much as I could and then make an informed decision.

Recognizing and Accepting the Risks

If understanding the procedure and recovery was important, recognizing the possible risks was paramount for my peace of mind. My first opportunity to ask someone qualified about the risks was during the surgical assessment process. The next big chance to enquire about risks and complications was during my phone consultation with Dr. Brassard.

Reading through the GrS Montreal information package and multiple surgeons’ websites I got a fairly clear perspective on the risks and aftercare. I also met with a registered nurse at my local gender clinic before surgery. Chatting with her, plus my conversations with the surgeon and psychologists, and the reading materials I studied, all helped me see and accept the risks.

As a PSA (Public Service Announcement) I want you to be aware of the most common risks and complications in vaginoplasties (with or without cavity). It’s a good idea to familiarize with some of these if you or someone you know is considering surgery:

• Infection/Abscesses.
• Hypergranulation
• UTIs (urinary track infections).
• Recto-vaginal Fistula (does not apply to vulvoplasties).
• Prolapse of the neovagina (does not apply to vulvoplasties).
• Hair growth inside the neovagina (or inside the dimple vestibule in a vulvoplasty).
• Loss of sensation and inability to orgasm.

Download the TRS Surgical summary sheets from Rainbow Health Ontario and look for the Vaginoplasty sheet for concise clinical information.

You can find more details of how I gathered knowledge and made the decision to have surgery on my blog. Many of those details relate to the pre and post-op planning documentation GrS Montréal provided as well as other sources of factual information.

Last Phase: Confidence in Recovery (Post-op)

In my opinion recovery is the Holy Grail. Surgery is just a point in time, a quick methodical controlled trauma. Then recovery starts. All my prior mind shifting regarding my genitals, the learning, questioning, and understanding was to prepare for recovery and life beyond. The first few weeks and months post-op are crucial. From past surgeries I learnt that the more support one can get during early recovery, the easier, or rather less complicated it would be.

By going through my mental shift that allowed me to consider surgery, and learning as much as I could, I was able to increase my confidence in my decision. Following a consistent theme, all these later contributed to my natural relationship with my neo-vulva. All even before I left home to Montréal. However, my recovery’s contribution to the satisfaction with my results built up as it happened. Meaning that for the most part my confidence grew during recovery, and not prior.

Not Bothering with Things Outside my Control

Are you happy with your results? How much it hurts? What is sex like? How does it look? How does it feel? These are examples of some of the questions people get post-op. At first, I had similar questions though I realized that the answers didn’t matter. They were really not important because there was no way to know. Someone may tell you their perspective, but creating a personal expectation based on someone else’s subjective narrative, in my opinion, is not a good idea. A very simple example: If you ask me if I’m happy with my results, the answer is yes. Though that answer should be meaningless to you unless you knew what my expectations were.

When it came to things outside of my control, I did not spend much time thinking about them before I had to face them. Another example: I knew I would be uncomfortable and most likely in pain the first few days. How much? The only way to know was to go through recovery and see how much it’d hurt at the time. The way I prepared was by expecting the most painful experience ever, though chances were that it wouldn’t reach that point. Instead of mulling over it before surgery, I’d deal with pain once I felt it.

My Past Surgical Experience as Reference

While I was preparing for this surgery I looked back at my past surgical experiences and noted the similarities. Though there are massive differences between the kinds of surgeries, there’s a lot that is shared. In all my surgeries I developed similar relationships with the surgeons and nursing staff. The way I healed was fairly similar between surgeries. How I dealt with pain and my reaction to anesthesia were comparable. Based on all these common elements I could picture in my mind how I’d do for my vulvoplasty.

Asclépiade

GrS Montreal includes a few nights at the recovery home, Asclépiade, before discharging their patients to return home. That stay at Asclépiade made the first few days after surgery much easier than all other options. To give you an idea of the impact that Asclépiade had imagine being in a home with other trans patients that went through genital reconstruction. Then add being under the care of nurses that specifically work with these patients, and all your basic necessities (boarding, medication management, wound and patient care) are overseen by the staff. And then compare that package to recovering at home, at a hospital, or a hotel room.

As I went through the experience at Asclépiade it was easy to predict that if I were to have any complication, that it would be minimal. And that peace of mind also boosted my confidence in my relationship with my surgical results.

Recovery at Home

I made every effort to make my flight home as comfortable as possible. In general flying after surgery can be tough, specially on long flights and furthermore when the surgical site could make sitting uncomfortable or painful. Also, I had made arrangements at my local gender clinic to see a nurse a few days after my return. The nurse would be monitoring my recovery and aftercare once I returned home. So, even before leaving for Montréal I already felt a certain sense of ease knowing someone could take care of me locally. BTW, this is the same nurse that gave me some insider pointers weeks before flying for surgery.

You can find more details on how I prepared for recovery on HolaSoyYo.com and even how I dealt with an issue I encountered after I got home.

Conclusion

As I said at the beginning of this article. I was able to develop a natural relationship with my neo-vulva by answering every single question, even if the answer was “I don’t have a definite answer yet”. This included changing my relationship and understanding of my original born organs before I could contemplate surgery. If I hadn’t done that most likely I would have left doubts in my head that would have undermined my appreciation of my new physiognomy.

Once I was able to seriously consider surgery, knowledge about the procedure, and specifically its risks, possible complications, and recovery were the most important aspects of being happy with my results. If you or someone you know is considering surgery, any surgery, but more importantly a vaginoplasty, please make sure you or they know the commitment it takes.

Once I was able to seriously consider surgery, knowledge about the procedure, and specifically its risks, possible complications, and recovery were the most important aspects of being happy with my results.

If you or someone you know is considering surgery, any surgery, but more importantly a vaginoplasty, please make sure you or they know the commitment it takes. The first few months of recovery from a vaginoplasty can be intense. Any and all support that one can get during that time, should help develop a natural relationship with the neo-vagina.

L’article My complex mental process to prepare for surgery est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

These myths can be a major source of anxiety for patients. However, the opposite is true: the longer the surgery time, the more the healing time and the risks associated with the intervention increase.

While it is true that operating time is an important indicator of risk factors and possible complications, the type of surgery and procedural complexity are also determining factors. Although often independent, these risk factors can sometimes be interrelated.

Infections and complications

The link between wound infection and operative time has been known for a long time. Every additional minute of surgery has a direct impact on the rate of wound infection.

As proof, a study on breast reconstruction with implants published in 2019 clearly demonstrated that the possibility of medical complications or wound infections increases when the surgery time goes beyond three hours. There would be a direct causal link between complications, preoperative health conditions, and longer operative time.

While the complication rates vary little for surgeries of less than 3 hours, the risks multiply by 1.6 times after 3 hours. Each successive operating time interval is accompanied by an associated growth in complications, with rates increasing 3-fold after 4.5 hours and almost 5-fold for a 6.8 hours procedure.

When surgery lasts longer than 6 hours, every additional hour increases the risk of cardiovascular, kidney and pulmonary complications. The same goes for the increased rate of infection. Surgeries lasting longer than 3 hours increase the risk of erythema and bruising, and often involve slower healing of the wounds.

Morbidity

The main issue regarding the risk of morbidity is the complexity of the procedure, not the duration of the operation. Indeed, according to a study published in 2014, complications can vary between two surgeries of more or less equal duration. For example, surgeries to the head or neck cause more complications than breast or limb surgeries, although the duration is similar, due to the complexity of these procedures. Delicate procedures on smaller surfaces requiring less manipulation cause less morbidity than reconstruction or dissections or excisions of body contouring procedures. On the other hand, studies indicate that operating times of more than three hours also increase the risk of morbidity. All these factors must be taken into account by the surgeon during the preoperative preparation.

The duration of the operation is therefore a key factor in the recovery of patients and in the severity of postoperative complications. It would be an indicator of complications, with a marked increase in risks if the surgery lasts more than three hours.

Surgeons are highly trained professionals. Although an experienced surgeon works quickly, other factors can contribute to the length of the operation, some of which may be beyond his control, such as excessive bleeding which can slow down the procedure. However, speed of execution does not necessarily guarantee better results, as operating time is not the only factor to consider in the event of complications.

So patients don’t have to worry if the surgery is shorter than expected. This does not indicate shoddy work. Longer surgery will not necessarily give better results. Surgery time is an important factor in recovery, but so too are the type of surgery and procedural complexity. Above all, be sure to ask questions before surgery so that you are fully aware of the risks.

L’article The duration of a surgical intervention est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

It is well known that trans people are very present in the business world and some of them perform brilliantly in numerous spheres of activity. They can be found as the head of companies and at the origin of many organizations of all kinds – in short, they are dynamic and shine. Martine Rothblatt is part of this prestigious list and is even in a class of her own, that of pioneer and fighter.

Born in a male body in Chicago in 1954, Martine Rothblatt grew up in San Diego and Los Angeles with a dentist father and a speech therapist mother. She spent her childhood with her head in books and clouds as she was raised in a religious Jewish family within a Hispanic environment.

Martine Rothblatt has a law degree from the University of California in Los Angeles and lived the first part of her life as a man. It was during this period, in 1979 to be precise, that she met the love of her life, her wife Beverlee Prator (alias “Bina”), whom she married in 1982. Together, they will have two children named Gabriel and Jenesis. It should be noted that Martine and Bina each had a child from a previous relationship and that they also adopted a fifth child.

It was in 1994 that – after the deep reflections required for this kind of decision, Martine Rothblatt chose to make a transition and feminize her name. Throughout this process, Martine was supported by her spouse, Bina.

Professionally, Martine Rothblatt began her amazing journey by founding the pharmaceutical company United Therapeutics Corp with the primary goal of finding a cure for her 7-year-old daughter Jenesis, who had developed pulmonary arterial hypertension – a rare disease that proves fatal within two years of diagnosis. Ms. Rothblatt will hire the person who will find the right treatment and, as a result, will become the head of a company whose primary focus is to decode the pharmacogenomic properties of drugs, manufacture anti-rejection transplantable organs and, first and foremost, generate and propose new treatments for people with rare diseases.

A few years later, this brilliant businesswoman will be at the origin of major startups such as GeoStar and Sirius Radio, a major company specializing in satellite operations, as well as Terasem, a transhumanist movement she created in 2004 with her life partner.

Still today, it is through this movement that she formulates her theory that any person will be able one day to be reincarnated in an artificial world.

On this subject, Martine Rothblott and her team created, in 2010, a robot in the image of her spouse and bearing the name Bina48. Impressive in its appearance and communication skills, it is technologically updated on a very regular basis.

Over the years, Martine Rothblatt has also written numerous articles and books on xenotransplantation (Your Life or Mine), cyberethics (Virtually Human) and “non-binary” (Transgender to Transhuman).

Today, this visionary woman earns an annual salary of $38 million, which is set according to a contract that aligns this amount with her firm’s share price. A true figurehead of transhumanism, Martine Rothblatt was the highest paid CEO in America in 2016.

Highlights

1954 – Birth of Martine Rothblatt in Chicago

1982 – She marries Bina

1990 – Founded the satellite communications operator Sirius

1994 – At age 40, she undergoes gender affirmation surgery

1995 – She publishes a report on “Gender Apartheid”

2004 – She launched the transhumanist movement Terasem

L’article Martine Rothblatt, an exceptional trans woman est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

Franches is a former patient of GrS Montréal et of Dr. Pierre Brassard. She is a strong proponent of self empowerment through knowledge and experimentation. Franches is also the author and publisher of HolaSoyYo.com (‘Hello, it’s me’ in Spanish), a blog where she shares her experiences and thoughts on changing gender expression.

Why a vulvoplasty? First, you can’t ask that. Asking someone why they chose a specific surgical procedure, and so much more when it has to do with genital reconstruction, is a no-no. It’s a little bit like asking someone why they plan to marry their fiancé(e) – you just don’t ask that. So, unless you have an intimate relationship with someone, don’t ask such personal questions! The decision of a genital reconstruction surgery and its variety is ultra personal, and depending on the person, it could be an extremely uncomfortable topic. Having cleared that up, let’s move on, shall we?

Why This Article/Blog Post?

One of the problems when a topic is so personal and touchy is that there are not as many people talking about it and therefore there is limited information to go on. There is some information and literature but it tends to be medical and technical in nature, meaning that it’s not written from the point of view of a patient. My main idea behind this post is to share my very personal reasons why I chose this kind of surgery. It’s not meant to convince anyone to choose one kind of surgery over another, but rather expose what I went through to decide so other people can have a point of reference of sorts. When I did my own research and soul searching before deciding, I was surprised to see that some transgender women were not aware of this alternative to a ‘traditional’ or ‘full’ vaginoplasty. Therefore, an ulterior personal motive for this post is to let people know about this option and explain my perspective.

But What is a Vulvoplasty or Vaginoplasty Without Cavity?

A vulvoplasty is a gender affirming genital reconstruction surgery that creates a neo-vulva. It fashions the external female genitalia but without a vaginal cavity. Depending on a few factors, this kind of surgery can have different names, but in essence they all mean the same:

• Vulvoplasty
• Vaginoplasty Without Cavity
• Shallow / Minimal-Depth / Dimple / Limit-Depth Vaginoplasty
• Cosmetic / Aesthetic Vaginoplasty
• No-Depth / Zero Depth Vaginoplasty

Sometimes the name varies by surgeon or surgical centre, but more importantly, it also depends on the patient. When I did my research, I have learnt that some patients prefer to have the word ‘vaginoplasty’ in the name of their surgery as it may help with dysphoria by reaffirming their gender implying a kind of vagina. I also came across some references that explained that some patients preferred ‘Shallow / Minimal-Depth / Dimple / Limit-Depth’ over ‘No-Depth / Zero Depth’ as the inference of depth has a better connotation for some patients. For my surgery I prefer the word ‘vulvoplasty’ as I find it very descriptive. Also, due to the way I identify I don’t benefit from the word ‘vagina’ being associated to my procedure. I do make the distinction that’s what I prefer ‘for my surgery’ and not ‘for the kind of procedure’. By doing so it allows the patient to choose a name for their surgery that supports the way they see themselves.

My Personal Reasons

Oh gee! I need to catch my breath before I open up about something oh so personal! (Deep inhale!) Ok, here we go… At the beginning of this post I said that ‘you can’t ask that question’ but regardless I’ve had a few people ask me about my choice. Though I had my own reasons I never had to verbalize them before I had my surgery, so I hadn’t given much thought of how I would answer that question. Funny enough, it wasn’t until after I had that question asked a couple of times that I really looked deep inside to get a sincere answer for myself. My most sincere answer, which also happens to be the simplest, is that I chose a vulvoplasty due to the way I identify. I’ll unravel the multiple factors that made up my decision, all of which support the way I identify. I lay down the factors that influenced my decision, mostly, in order of importance to me.

Penetrative Sex

I told you I was going to get personal, didn’t I? I have zero interest in penetrative or vaginal sex. None whatsoever. I’m not attracted to guys and the chances that I would be interested in vaginal sex are practically zero. From my different decision factors, this one was probably my most important one or the second most important one. As part of my research and soul searching before deciding I had a discussion with the psychologist that did one of my surgical assessments and of course this topic came up. One of the things we talked about was that even if for some strange reason I would be interested in penetrative sex, there’s always ‘the back door’ (AKA anal sex). So, from my point of view, you could say I still have the option of some sort of penetrative sex if I so desired… somehow… but no, thanks.

Congruence With my Gender Expression

If penetrative sex was not my number one deciding factor, then being consistent with my gender expression was. My gender expression and presentation are totally female, and though my birth genitalia didn’t cause me any dysphoria, after going full time it was always on my mind. I hated the thought that someone could see something in my crotch and questioned my gender expression. Being totally genuine with myself and my gender presentation: f#$k tucking! I hated tucking, I hated how I looked, and I hated when I worried about it ever being noticed. I just wanted a total congruent appearance and my male genitalia was getting in the way of that. I always felt a little limited in my choice of garments and I wanted to get rid of that feeling of limitation. Being congruent with my gender expression was directly correlated with my wardrobe because for the most part no one gets to see my genitalia. But the outfits that I choose to wear on top of it are always of great importance to me. In my value scale, the external appearance was in a much higher position than the functionality of a neovagina.

Self-Care (Dilations & Douching)

The required life-long dilations and douching after a ‘full’ vaginoplasty made no sense to me especially since I have no interest, not even the slightest curiosity, of vaginal intercourse. If I wanted to leave the door open to ever having vaginal sex, then my decision may have been different. I don’t think I would mind the actual dilations/douching, but rather that level of commitment to life-long self-care was totally outweighed by my lack of desire for penetrative sex. To compound my decision, when I did my research, I got a strong sense that some of the post-op complications people talked about could be traced to patients not fully understanding the level of self-care a ‘full’ vaginoplasty requires. Below I’ll talk about the increased risk of complications. The aftercare of a ‘full’ vaginoplasty requires a commitment that starts with 4 dilations and douching a day for the first month post-op and continues for a few months as the soft tissue heals, then dilation/douching frequency gradually drops to once a day after 6 months and, until 1 year after surgery. After the first year post-op the frequency goes down to only once per week but needs to be maintained for life.

Recovery

Compared to my 3 previous factors, recovery ranked much lower in terms of importance to me. Though recovery from genital reconstruction surgery is tough, the thing I kept in mind is that it is ‘just a temporary phase’. But again, in the whole context of my main two factors described above, recovery was still something important for me to consider. The first 3 months after surgery from a ‘full’ vaginoplasty have a very rigid aftercare schedule comparable to a full-time job. If I wanted to achieve the external look without the full functionality of a vaginal cavity, then the difference in the self-care schedule during recovery between a vulvoplasty and a ‘full’ vaginoplasty was definitely something I considered. The recovery from a vulvoplasty is done in about 8 weeks (everyone heals at different rates so it may be shorter or longer) with a lighter maintenance schedule than a ‘full’ vaginoplasty, centred around a high level of hygiene for the surgical site instead of centred around preventing the vaginal cavity from closing.

Risk of Complications

There are always risks associated with any surgical procedure and when a procedure is more complex than others, naturally there’s too an increase risk of complications. Due to the way the cavity of a neovagina is created and the fact that it requires frequent dilations, especially during the first few months, there is a slight chance for complications that is not present if there is no cavity, ie. a recto-vaginal fistula or other minor complications. Also, in a vulvoplasty, since there is no need to insert dilators, there is less chance of complications caused by soft tissue tension created during dilation. Having less sutures, less skin surface (no need for the lining of the vagina) and no need to insert foreign objects (dilators and douche) there is a slightly lower risk of infection. In the long term, a ‘full’ vaginoplasty has the risk of a vaginal prolapse if the dilation regime is not maintained. Hygiene is always important, but in the presence of a vaginal cavity, if douching is not maintained, the risk of complications can also increase. What I’m trying to say is that my personal ratio between my desires and the risks was not worth a ‘full’ vaginoplasty for me.

Other Factors That Did Not Apply to me

Above I’ve opened up about my personal factors that I considered when deciding on my surgery, but these are not the only ones. There are a number of other factors that people may consider, but that did not apply to me or that didn’t have any effect on my decision. Here are 3 that I found some references for, but I’m fairly certain there are more that may be important for other people.

Non-Binary Surgery

People that identify as non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender fluid or somewhere else in the gender spectrum may find a vulvoplasty as a great way to support their identity.

Existing Health Concerns

If there are other health concerns or pre-existing conditions where the creation of a vaginal canal is not indicated, then a vulvoplasty may be a very attractive alternative for folks in that situation. Of course, this needs to be discussed with the primary healthcare provider and/or the surgeon.

Age

A patient’s age may be a very strong factor to consider. For someone mature, and due to the differences in recovery and self-care required, their age may be a deciding factor. Interestingly enough, for patients that are younger, their age may be of concern to the healthcare practitioners. When I was preparing to write this post, I came across a reference to a study (PDF) that looked at the attitudes of WPATH-affiliated medical professionals towards the option of a vulvoplasty for patients between 18 and 21 years of age. They found that some medical professionals had more reluctance to recommend a no-depth option to patients in this age group.

It is The Patient’s Decision

At the end of the day, the decision lays on the patient and no one else. There may be lots of personal factors that influence that decision. With the current lack of reputable sources of information or detailed information, I truly hope that me opening up can help someone. At the very least, I strongly encourage the discussion so that more people become aware of the option of a no-depth genital reconstruction surgery.

Franches

L’article Why I chose vulvoplasty? est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

Special collaboration: Alex Simon is an American-born and Montreal-based student interested in LGBTQ+ and trans realities. They themselves being non-binary, they proposed the idea to GrS Montreal of writing articles on their blog TransAvenue.

In honor of International Women’s Day earlier this march, I wanted to take a moment to highlight transfeminine people both locally and around the world. Whether it be for their activism or their social and cultural involvement, these individuals stood out over time and deserve to be recognized.

1. Florence Ashley is a jurist and bioethicist from Montreal. Their thesis at McGill university pertains to conversion therapy regarding gender identity. They are the first openly trans clerk at the Supreme Court of Canada, have won a multitude of awards and scholarships and have had their academic work and personal interviews published in several newspapers, magazines and journal articles.
2. Kama La Mackerel is a Mauritian-born multi-disciplinary artist based in Montreal. They have created and hosted local initiatives such as GENDER B(L)ENDER, Qouleur Festival and Our Bodies Our Stories. They have had artist residencies in places like Mai-Montreal and in Halifax, and have presented their work both nationally and internationally, such as in Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris.
3. Gigi Gorgeous is a Canadian model, YouTuber and socialite from Montreal. Her channel features vlogs, fashion and lifestyle tips. She has partnered with many celebrities over the years such as Miley Cyrus and Adam Lambert on a variety of projects, such as music videos and LGBTQ+ activism. In 2016, she was detained in Dubai for being a transgender woman, despite her passport saying “F”. After an outcry of support on social media, she was released after five hours of detainment.
4. Vivek Shraya is a Canadian writer and musician. Her discography consists of seven albums and has written over half a dozen books including I’m Afraid of Men and Death Threat. She is currently on the board of the Tegan and Sara Foundation as a director.
5. Marci Bowers is an American surgeon and gynecologist. She is the first trans woman to have performed gender affirmation surgeries, and she currently practices in California. She also performs Clitoral Restoration surgeries free of cost for those who have undergone genital mutilation.
6. Lana and Lilly Wachowski are American directors who produced many Hollywood hits like the Matrix series, V for Vendetta, Cloud Atlas, Jupiter Ascending and Sense8. They both came out as transgender when each of them was in their mid-forties, respectively.
7. Jacob Tobia is a writer, TV producer and LGBTQ+ rights activist. Their memoir Sissy: A Coming-of-Gender Story, gained international praise. They were the face of a beauty campaign for the company Fluide and have been featured in several television shows such as MTV’s The T Word and voiced a character in She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.
8. Aaron Phillip is a black, transgender and disabled model from New York. The 19-year-old has already gained popularity on social media, and has modeled for Paper Magazine.
9. Janet Mock is an American writer, producer and trans rights activist. She currently is an editor for Marie Claire magazine, and has written two memoirs about her life experiences.
10. Indya Moore is an American model and actor. They have done modeling gigs as a teen with Dior and Gucci, and currently plays in the hit TV series Pose. They are also the first transgender person to appear on the cover of the U.S edition of Elle magazine.
11. Shea Diamond is an American R&B and soul singer. Her songs and activism often speak of her experiences as an incarcerated trans woman of color and issues like the gun violence epidemic in the United States.
12. Laverne Cox is an actress and LGBTQ+ advocate from the United States. She is the first openly trans actress to be nominated for an Emmy, for her role in the show Orange is the New Black. She is also the first openly trans person to be on the cover of Time magazine.
13. Alok Vaid-Menon is an Indian American performance artist and writer. They have several gender-neutral clothing lines, published written works, done live performances and have been invited to numerous events as a public speaker. They advocate notably for body diversity, challenging gender norms, ceasing to gender the beauty industry, countering transmisogyny and systemic racism.
14. Nikkie de Jager is a Dutch makeup artist also known by the name NikkieTutorials on YouTube. She came out publicly as trans on YouTube in early 2020, and subsequently appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Her beauty and vlogging channel currently have over 13 million subscribers.
15. Kim Petras is a pop singer born in Germany, and she has several Billboard-charting hits. Her medical transition as a teen was covered internationally by the media, given that transitioning at a young age was not well known at the time.
16. Parinya Charoenphol is a Muy Thai (Thai boxing) fighter, model and actress. She opened a boxing camp and aerobics class for children in her home country. Her story is portrayed in the 2003 movie Beautiful Boxer.
17. Harisu is a pop singer, model and actress from Korea. She is the first entertainer to come out as transgender in the Republic of Korea, and one of the first individuals to legally change their gender marker.
18. Travis Alabanza is an English performance artist. Their theater piece Burgerz toured the UK in 2018. They often use their social media platforms to criticize transphobic elements of modern feminism and encourage acceptance of gender nonconformity.
19. Georgina Beyer is a New Zealand politician. She became the world’s first openly trans mayor (1995) and member of Parliament (1999). She is also one among few former sex workers to hold office in a political setting.

Alex Simon

L’article 20 Transfeminine people to know est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

Gender identities are multiple and cannot be quantified or defined in a very precise or fixed manner. This is why it is important for a clinic such as GrS Montréal, which specializes in gender affirmation surgery (formerly called “sex change”), to offer a variety of options to its patients.

What is an orchiectomy and why choose it?

Orchiectomy is a relatively simple procedure involving the removal of the testicles. The surgery itself takes about 30 minutes and patients return home the same day. The surgeon makes a first incision in the groin to remove the blood vessels that supply blood to the testicles and then in the scrotum itself. This surgery can be part of a larger process and can be combined with other surgeries: for example, it can be performed during a vaginoplasty. However, if the orchiectomy is performed before the vaginoplasty, it will be necessary to stretch the skin of the scrotum to make sure that it does not shrink too much since this skin will be used to cover the inner wall of the future vagina.

Since the removal of the testicles drastically reduces testosterone production, orchiectomy is a surgical option for people who do not want or cannot do hormone therapy. It can sometimes be recommended by an endocrinologist.

Following the surgery

Upon returning home, it is advised to rest for one week and wait four weeks before resuming physical activities such as sports. As with all procedures, it is recommended that patients stop smoking six to eight weeks before surgery and maintain good hygiene and general health to minimize risks and surgical complications.

Other surgeries

Some surgeries can be combined with orchiectomy such as face and body feminization surgeries, breast augmentation, etc.

The GrS Montréal clinic is the only private clinic specializing in trans surgeries in the country and its surgeons will be able to advise and guide you according to your needs. They have pioneered a movement of acceptance and accessibility that, hopefully, will continue to grow exponentially in the coming years.

L’article What is an orchiectomy surgery? est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

It is in an intimate and warm environment that you can rest and take the time to get back on your feet before going home.

A recovery at l’Asclépiade takes approximately seven to ten days, depending on the type of surgery. As this house is adjacent to the Centre Métropolitain de Chirurgie, the transfer from one facility to another is easily done from the inside, most often by walking.

Once you have settled at l’Asclépiade, a treatment schedule will be established with you. The staff is on duty seven days a week, day and night, and available to assist you, answer your questions, your concerns and provide care. Your medical follow-ups with the surgeon are also easily made, thanks to the proximity of the facilities.

If you have had a vaginoplasty with a vaginal cavity, it is during your stay at l’Asclépiade that the vaginal mold and the urinary catheter will be removed if the healing goes as planned. The nursing staff will take care of your surgical wounds as well as your dilations, if necessary. You should know that depending on the surgery you underwent, the length of your postoperative care will vary. The staff will take advantage of your presence at l’Asclépiade to teach you how to do your own care. This is a very important step that will lead to your complete healing. You will need to dilate the vaginal cavity up to four times a day for the first month. The frequency of dilations will decrease over time, but will still need to be continued for the rest of your life. The staff of l’Asclépiade will guide you in the familiarization of this crucial step for the success of your operation.

The healing process takes about a year. During this period, you will first notice discharge from your wound, regardless of the surgery you underwent. It’s normal. You will need to learn how to clean the wound and do it carefully every day. You will also notice swelling. This, too, is normal. It could even last beyond six months. As for the colour of your organs, it can take up to a year to stabilize.

If you have undergone phalloplasty, you will learn not only how to care for and clean your wounds, but how to do exercises needed to restore the suppleness of the skin of the arm or leg on which a flap of skin was taken.

Your recovery at l’Asclépiade will also be a time to learn how to manage pain. Please be aware that it varies greatly from one person to another. Thanks to the presence of doctors and nursing staff, the medication will be adjusted according to the level of your pain. Taking your medication regularly, applying ice, and resting are the keys to fast and successful healing.

Without being necessarily complex, the postoperative care that you will learn to master during your recovery at l’Asclépiade is of the greatest importance. Some people even compare the first month of care to a full-time job!

L’article Your recovery at Asclepiade est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

A collaboration between Dr Marie-Jeanne Martin (Maison Dispersée de Santé, Lille, France), the Trans User Committee (Marie De La Chenelière) and the professionals of GrS Montreal (Dr Pierre Brassard and Daphney Prophète, nurse clinician) to put together a presentation offered to professionals and doctors from several French medical clinics. In all, around twenty participants joined the videoconference, among which we find a majority of doctors, but also nurses, a speech therapist and a physiotherapist.

The Maison Dispersée de Santé, which provides multidisciplinary health care in the Hauts-de-France region, works to improve the overall health of its users, including many people from the LGBTQ+ community.

Live from the GrS Montreal offices, the presentation, which lasted nearly one and a half hour, was intended to better equip French doctors and other healthcare professionals for postoperative care for patients who have undergone gender affirmative surgery.

After a brief introduction to the history of GrS Montreal and the Complexe Chirurgical CMC, it was about transidentity and gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is the pain associated with the mismatch between a person’s gender identity and the sex assigned at birth. Gender affirmation surgery is one of the effective treatments for treating gender dysphoria.

Two surgical procedures were then discussed in detail, namely mastectomy – or masculinization of the torso – and vaginoplasty, which is the creation of female-looking organs from existing tissue in trans women. Surgical techniques were discussed, as well as the associated risks, possible complications and their treatments.

A quick overview of the other surgical procedures performed at GrS Montreal was also presented and French professionals were able to ask their questions directly to Dr. Brassard.

The experience of this first videoconference was so enriching that there are already discussions to organize more in the near future. GrS Montreal is proud to be able to count on the world-renowned surgical expertise of Dr. Pierre Brassard and to share it with the medical community interested in the care of trans people.

L’article Dr Pierre Brassard in videoconference with French doctors est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

Normal Recovery

Whether it is surgery on the genitals or the torso, feeling pain during recovery is to be expected, especially in the beginning. Of course, each person will experience pain differently and doctors will help with pain management. In addition to the pain caused by incision sites, the patient may also have a sore throat if intubated during surgery.

Patients are generally offered anti-inflammatory medicine and analgesics. If this is not enough, the surgeon can prescribe narcotic analgesics. The pain should decrease with time. If it’s a genital surgery, you will be staying for a few days at the Maison de convalescence Asclépiade, the recovery center, adjacent to the Centre Métropolitain de Chirurgie, where you can rely on the nurses to help you manage the pain and learn how to treat your wounds. Depending on the kind of surgeries, recovery varies between 10 days and 8 weeks. In any case, do not hesitate to ask for help when the pain is too intense.

Healing Well

Always make sure you understand and follow the surgeon’s recommendations for maximizing your chances of healing well with minimal pain. Taking narcotic analgesics could affect the motor and cognitive functioning of the patient.

No matter what type, any surgery carries a risk of complications; therefore, you must discuss your concerns with your surgeon, and follow his recommendations precisely to give your body all the chances for an effective healing.

Psychological Pain

The decision to make a transition is usually made while on a difficult psychological path already well underway. Because mores change slowly, acceptance of oneself and acceptance of others can be a source of pain that warrants recognition. Do not hesitate to use the psychosocial services available in your area and to reach out to the professionals involved in your transition process (family doctor, psychologist, social worker, community resources, self-help and support groups, etc.). In the event that you feel psychological distress during your stay at Asclépiade, we can provide you with appropriate resources.

To conclude, if the transition process can be painful, it is also an important moment during which you will need to be well supported. You will be able to rely on the professionals of GrS Montréal for attentive and personalized service. Do not hesitate to share your concerns with them.

L’article Pain Management After Trans Surgery est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

The first cases of MTF or FTM surgeries are difficult to trace since they have often occurred clandestinely, and some tracks have been scrambled to protect the identity of the people concerned. The story of the great surgeons of sex change is the story of the liberation of morals.

First in Europe

Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld was one of those pioneers; he dedicated his life to the humanization of homosexuals, and he coined the term transsexuality. In the inter war period, he created the Institute of Sexology in Berlin, which aimed to normalize, educate, and protect, through science, practices that were then deemed abnormal. He collected the testimonials of transgender people he met, actively worked for their acceptance, and supervised Dr. Ludwig Levy-Lenz, who went on to perform one of the first MTF surgeries on Lili Elbe. Dr. Levy-Lenz then performed another sex change with Dr. Felix Abraham on Dora Richter. The Institute was destroyed by the Nazis, and the three doctors spent the rest of their lives in exile.

Then in North America

Dr. Harry Benjamin, a friend of Dr. Hirschfeld, was born in Berlin and made his career in the United States. In 1949, he created the term “Benjamin Syndrome” to designate transsexualism which he was the first one to define as “neither a perversion, nor a homosexuality”. He was one of the first to believe that the body must be altered to match perceived identity, and to recommend surgery or hormone therapy rather than psychoanalysis to his transgender patients. First seen as eccentric by the medical community, his views were eventually adopted.

Dr. Christian Hamburger, in Denmark, became famous in the early 50’s for taking over the sex change of Christine Jorgensen, who could be described as the first transsexual star. Her openness about her gender dysphoria throughout the 1960s and 1970s brought a lot to the liberation of morals in North America.

Today

In Canada, Dianna Boileau was the first patient to undergo a MTF surgery. She first received hormone therapy in the United States until Canadian research groups were created and she then underwent gender affirmation surgery at the University of Toronto in 1970. When she was involved in a car accident in 1972, her sexual identity made headlines.

Given that a hundred years ago transgender people were operated on secretly by brave surgeons who defied the existing laws, such surgeries today are more and more accessible and recognized as one of the effective treatments for gender dysphoria.

L’article The Great Sex Change Surgeons est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

For a long time and across cultures, healing properties have been attributed to nature. Gardens for the sick people first appeared in the Middle Ages, in monastic hospitals across Europe. British nurse, Florence Nightingale, a pioneer in modern nursing, identified the therapeutic effects of nature on the improvement of patient healing. According to her, visual connections with nature, such as having flowers at bedside or seeing nature through a window, contribute to patient recovery. She has described it in her notes that were published in 1860 (Notes on Nursing).

Since 1970, many studies have been conducted on the subject. It is now known that trees, plants, and flowers positively affect the immune system. We know that proximity of nature in everyday life makes the whole body better. Fewer cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, psychological, and respiratory disorders are being observed.

Of course, nothing feels better than being wrapped in nature; a walk in the forest undoubtedly has a regenerating effect. However, even without being in total immersion, it is now proven that the simple fact of having some trees or flowers around, a few plants inside the house, or even a view of nature brings a positive effect on health.

In light of this research, it can be said that the Asclepiade recovery center is ideally located to promote patient recovery. The house is adjoined by a large garden that includes several mature trees, many species of flowers, and spaces designed for relaxation. In front of the house, you can enjoy the pleasant view of the Rivière des Prairies and Parc de la Merci. If your condition allows, you will be able to walk the 64,000 m2 of Parc De la Merci, and the 28,000 m2 of Perry Island. These parks are flat and furrowed with trails. You will meet many walkers, but also people who come for a picnic or a nap by the shore. Depending on the season, you may also see geese — they also seem to love the place!

Over the years, many researchers, urban planners, landscape architects, and engineers have explored ways to integrate nature into hospital complexes in aid of patient healing and well-being. They try their best to recreate what exists naturally at Asclepiade: a soothing home, surrounded by a healing garden, an island of nature within the city, a place where it feels good to unwind.

L’article The rustic setting of Maison de convalescence Asclépiade for recovery support est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

In the recent weeks, not a day (or almost) has ended without someone talking to her about her gender affirmation surgery performed at the Centre Métropolitain de Chirurgie (GrS Montreal). Khate, who now resides in Laval, was indeed operated on for a vaginoplasty.

“When I started to think about the operation and felt ready to start the process, I had to begin by creating my file. I don’t know how it goes in Montreal, but in my region, in Abitibi, it took months. I had to meet with several specialists and each of them had to write a letter of recommendation,” she explains.

Then, at the end of many private meetings with a sex therapist, a psycho-educator, her family doctor, a psychologist, and other healthcare professionals and specialists, Khate had what was needed to take the next step. No less than a year and a half has passed between the start of the process and the “D” day.

“Once there, I was surprised to see how beautiful the clinic is and how caring the whole team is! Let’s say it was a good thing for me because I get anxious very easily. Whether we like it or not, even if we inquire about the subject first, we still are afraid to enter, as if it were a dark room, when arriving at the hospital … but everyone was so nice! The employees came to introduce themselves one by one. It felt like a family atmosphere. Everyone is calm and very attentive, at all times. In short, you quickly feel like you are part of a big house!” explains the former OD candidate.

The Human Experience

“During my entire stay at GrS Montréal, I really felt the human touch. I expected it to be like in a hospital where the employees are always on the run because there is a lot to do, but it was not. During the first days, I was not without pain, but I received all the attention I needed,” she assures.

As one can imagine, when a celebrity is operated on for gender affirmation surgery and then this news is publicized, there are reactions. Without trying to promote herself, Khate Lessard is happy to provoke reactions and debate around this theme.

“I didn’t do this for fun or to get attention. You can’t do this to get attention. I really want to focus it on the informative side. We need to talk about sexual diversity and be able to see what revolves around it, like, among other things, a vaginoplasty. I want to help demystify all of this. I want to do good things and take good action. If it can help people who will have to live through it, so much the better!” she believes.

The Asclépiade, a place to remember

“I spent about seven days at the Asclépiade. The food there is really excellent! For real, it’s a buffet at every meal. It’s not cheap food. I remember eating excellent Greek-style chicken breasts with cheese … you can feel that the chef is having fun making his menus,” assures the one who has produced several web capsules. “In fact, I took the time to speak with him. He said to me that after an operation like the one we undergo, either a vaginoplasty or a phalloplasty, it is important to eat protein foods.”

And it’s not only the food that is well-suited to the needs of users: everything is planned to provide comfort and peace of mind for the occupants of the Asclépiade.

“There is a large fridge filled with cranberry juice, which is very good for the bladder, and cushions that allow us to sit comfortably and painlessly on the chairs. It’s fun because everyone there goes through the same thing and we all eat around the same table. We can talk and some people have been there longer than others. Sometimes they give advice to others about the days ahead and what to do next. We feel listened to and followed in all the steps and throughout the whole process,” concludes the former communications student.

Close Follow-up

“I am back at home, but every week, the people from GrS Montreal follow up. We talk on the phone and through email, and I also need to send photos to make sure everything is fine. I find it very reassuring. For example, if bleeding occurs, I only have to take a picture and send it to quickly receive an answer,” said the young woman.

What about the future?

A good communicator, Khate Lessard became close friend with Julie Snyder. Also, in the near future, she plans to show her true colors on the small screen.

“I have always loved doing all kinds of things in life. For now, I am anchored in this wave because I am recognized for this. I will always campaign for this cause, but I will also do something else!”, promises the refreshing Laval girl.

Those who follow her have adopted her and it’s a safe bet that her career is just beginning. A new career, but, above all, a new life…

L’article Khate Lessard (Occupation Double – OD) tells us about her experience at GrS Montreal est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

These surgeries are a combination of both cosmetic and maxillofacial surgeries and aim to soften the facial features into a more typically feminine appearance. Read below to find out more about the main types of facial feminization surgeries (FFS).

Forehead Reconstruction

One of the most common FFS surgeries is the reconstruction of the forehead. A look is identified as feminine not because of a difference in the eyes, but because of the shape of the bones that surround them. Female foreheads are often smoother and uniform: women have vertical foreheads, while men’s foreheads descend to create a hump above the eyebrows (the brow bone is pronounced). Female eyebrows are also often high and curved, and men tend to have bare temples. For all these reasons, the reconstruction of the forehead can be a key element of facial feminization.

Several options are available to the patient: depending on the thickness of the skull to remove, the forehead may be ground or remodeled. This surgery can even be done at the same time as another FFS surgery or MTF surgery. In any case, it will be your surgeon who can guide you according to your particular case.

Tracheal Shave (Adam’s Apple Reduction)

The reduction of the Adam’s apple is more or less a 1 hour procedure. It consists of filing the cartilage which constitutes the Adam’s Apple. The surgeon must be suitably experienced to not get too close to the larynx and to not alter the patient’s voice. The small scar is hidden under the chin and will be almost invisible.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, better known as plastic surgery of the nose, is done under local or general anesthesia. In the context of an MTF surgery, the surgeon removes excess bone and cartilage from the nose through small incisions inside the nostrils. A thinner nose contributes greatly to facial feminization and is one of the most common FFS surgeries.

Jaw Surgery

Several chin and jaw reduction options can be explored and are done through hidden incisions in the mouth. The V-Line procedure consists in shortening and thinning the jaw, it also allows for making the chin into a rounder shape and moving back a chin that is of a squarer shape. Some surgeons use high tech ultrasonic equipment to cut the bone without creating too much bleeding and to protect the nerves.

In conclusion, FFS surgeries include the face and neck, and focus on bone structure and shape of the nose. Other lighter FFS surgeries are available and can be incorporated to complete facial feminization: face or brow lift, blepharoplasty (eyelids surgery), cheek implants, lip lift, cheek fat resection, otoplasty (ears), or treatment with Botox© or Juvederm©. Many of these surgeries can be combined; talk to your surgeon!

L’article What is facial feminization surgery (FFS)? est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

What to expect step by step

1 – To Meet Criteria

First, one must meet the criteria for genital surgery from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). The person wishing to have vaginoplasty must be of legal age and able to provide informed consent. She must suffer from gender dysphoria (a distress related to the difference between the sex assigned at birth and her gender identity), have any medical or mental concerns well-controlled as well as having 12 months of hormone therapy treatment (unless there is medical contraindication) and of living in the congruent gender.

2 – Medical Consultations

Normally, the healthcare professionals of the person who wants to undergo a vaginoplasty at GrS Montreal will refer her to our services.

A team of nurse clinicians from the preoperative clinic will assess the patient’s health condition in collaboration with the medical team and will be available to answer any questions.

A consultation with the surgeon may be planned to explain the options and the surgical techniques. The doctor will also explain the risks and complications associated with the chosen genital surgery. The patient will be invited to ask any questions about surgery, possible risks and complications, postsurgical care, or any other subject related to vaginoplasty.

3 – Vaginoplasty: the Surgical Procedure

The surgery will be performed under local or general anesthesia.

First, the surgeon will remove the scrotum and the testicles.

To construct the opening of the urethra, the labia, and the clitoris, the surgeon will use the glans, the urethra, and the skin from the scrotum. Cauterization of hair follicles will be done to prevent hair growth in the vaginal cavity.

The glans is used to create the clitoris. The glans, like the clitoris, is sensitive. This usually helps maintain sexual sensations after surgery.

A vaginal cavity will be created. The prostate will not be removed as its removal may cause permanent urinary incontinence. In addition, the prostate remains a sensitive organ and an erogenous zone during intercourse involving penetration. The skin of the penis will be inverted to create the inner lining of the vagina. The surgeon will also use skin from the scrotum to complete the vaginal wall.

If the surgeon needs more skin to construct the new female organs, he could take skin from another part of the body such as the thigh. Even if this procedure is rare, you will be informed before the surgery if it is necessary.

A mould will be placed temporarily inside the vaginal cavity to prevent it from closing and will be removed between the 5^th and 7^th days after surgery. Then, the vaginal dilations will begin to keep the cavity open. Note that these dilations will have to be maintained for life.

4 – After the Vaginoplasty: the recovery

After the surgical procedure and the hospitalization at the Centre Métropolitain de Chirurgie, the patient will recover for a few days at the Maison de convalescence Asclepiade where trained professionals will answer all her questions and help her begin postoperative care.

In all, the healing will take about a year and the process will have to be managed with care.

L’article What is a vaginoplasty? est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

Why is WPATH so important in the development of trans health care?

If we hear more and more about sex changes, it is certainly not because it is a sign of the times or a passing trend. The desire to undergo a gender affirmation surgery is always the result of a long reflection which, most often, is not an easy one.

Obviously, this important decision is never made lightly. Beyond the repercussions that such surgery will have in the life of the person concerned and their entourage, we wish for this operation be a complete success. What we want most of all for the people who go under the knife is that they at last go forward the best possible way and live their own life.

The importance of WPATH

Although times have changed since the first sex-change surgeries were performed, people who have had gender affirmation surgery are still often stigmatized. Their reality, still misunderstood by a large part of the population, is often lived within closed circles. Support and relevant information come most often from specialized organizations in the field.

In this regard, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health is a professional association dedicated to the understanding and treatment of gender dysphoria.

Founded by psychologist Paul Allen Walker in 1979, this association (which was called the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association at the time) is essentially mandated to promote the care, education, research, advocacy, public policy, and respect, and that all be evidence-based on transgender health.

Evidently, the contribution of such an organization plays a leading role and allows equipping and supporting not only those who wish to undergo a surgery, but also to demystify many aspects of trans identity.

Does this mean that mentalities are really starting to change? In any case, even if it is the timid beginning of an evolution, the WPATH will have greatly contributed to it.

L’article What is the WPATH? est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.

This is part of the touching testimony that a young man, whose name is concealed, shares in a beautiful video on YouTube about coming out as a trans.

For him, the transition to a life in a man’s body has been life-saving, as has the acceptance of his loved ones, especially that of his parents. Several studies tend to confirm that suicidal thoughts and behaviours disproportionately prevail among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit or queer (LGBTQ) youths and that links of solidarity and acceptance around the person in distress can help turn the tide.

According to the Quebec Suicide Prevention Center, nearly 1050 people committed suicide in the province of Quebec in 2016. In Canada, according to Statistics Canada, there are 500 young Canadians, ages 10 to 24, who are dying by suicide each year. However, we do not know how many of these people identify as LGBTQ or may have difficulties or problems related to their sexual orientation or their gender identity since this information is not reported on death certificates. However, we know that LGBTQ youths are four times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers.

In 2007, a British Columbia adolescent health survey found that 33% of youths who identified as LGB had attempted suicide, compared to 7% of youths of the same age. What emerges from all these statistics, regardless of the age of the people involved, is the fragility and distress felt by some people who question their orientation or their sexual identity. The finding is the same when a person has taken the step to identify as LGBTQ. The road to well-being can be rocky, and each individual faces it with their own baggage and a number of factors that are completely independent of gender identity or sexual orientation, but that also play an important role.

Having the freedom to be one’s self brings tremendous well-being to the individual, regardless of their background. Considering the statistics mentioned above, one can only conclude that self-acceptance saves lives and if this acceptance means undergoing a gender reassignment surgery, this transition will also have saved a life.

In 2018, researchers at the University Hospital Essen in Germany conducted a study to measure the quality of life of transgender people by using a specially designed questionnaire. For the first time ever, scientists were able to confirm that gender reassignment surgery significantly improves the quality of life for most patients, to the tune of 75%.

Dr. Jochen Hess, who led the study, said, “It is very important that we have reliable data on the quality of life of transgender people. They generally have a lower quality of life than non-transgender people, with higher rates of stress and mental disorders. It’s a good thing that surgery can change that, but also that we can now show that surgery has a positive effect.”

In most Canadian provinces and in many countries, certain surgeries and gender affirmative treatments are available for free.

If you are feeling lost or if someone close to you shows signs of distress, do not wait — ask for help at 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553). You’ll find a listening ear, support, and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Trans Quebec Help has a 24-hour crisis hotline: 1-855-909-9038 #1.

L’article Transitioning Saves Lives est apparu en premier sur TransAvenue.