Sex reassignment surgery (SRS), also known as gender confirmation surgery, for a female-to-male (FtM) transition involves procedures that change the physical appearance and functionality of the existing sexual characteristics to resemble that of the desired sex.
There are different surgical procedures that can be part of a female-to-male transition. Here’s a basic overview:
- Mastectomy or “top surgery”: This involves the removal of breast tissue to create a more typically masculine chest. There are several techniques for this surgery depending on the size of the breasts, the amount of excess skin, and other factors.
- Hysterectomy: This is the removal of the uterus. It may be performed alone or with a salpingo-oophorectomy, which is the removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
- Phalloplasty or metoidioplasty: These are two different procedures that create a neophallus, or penis. Phalloplasty involves the construction of a penis using a skin graft from another part of the body, often the forearm or thigh. It generally allows for sexual penetration but does not typically become erect without an implant. Metoidioplasty involves creating a penis from the clitoris, which has been enlarged through hormone replacement therapy. While this option often does not allow for penetration due to the smaller size of the neophallus, it may become erect without the need for an implant.
- Scrotoplasty: This procedure involves the creation of a scrotum using labial tissue. If desired, prosthetic testicles can be inserted.
- Urethral lengthening: This is a procedure that allows urination while standing by extending the urethra to the tip of the neophallus.
Please note that not all transgender men choose to, or are able to, undergo all these surgeries. The choice to have any of these procedures is personal and should be made in consultation with experienced healthcare professionals. Each procedure has potential risks and complications, and it’s important to discuss these with your healthcare provider.
Also, not all transgender men have surgery, and their identities are valid regardless of their surgical status. Non-surgical options like hormone replacement therapy can help align an individual’s physical appearance with their gender identity.
As always, the information available may have evolved after my last training data in September 2021. Always consult with healthcare professionals to get the most recent and relevant information.