Gender reassignment surgery (GRS) for male-to-female (MTF) individuals is also known as vaginoplasty or genital reconstruction surgery. It involves transforming the male genitalia into female genitalia to align with a person’s gender identity. Here is an overview of the typical procedure:
- Pre-operative assessment: Before undergoing GRS, individuals usually go through a comprehensive evaluation by a team of healthcare professionals, including psychologists, endocrinologists, and surgeons, to ensure that they are mentally and physically ready for the surgery.
- Hormone therapy: Many MTF individuals undergo hormone therapy to promote feminine physical characteristics and prepare the genital tissues for surgery. Hormones such as estrogen and anti-androgens are commonly used.
- Hair removal: In preparation for surgery, individuals may need to undergo permanent hair removal in the genital area. This is usually achieved through laser hair removal or electrolysis.
- Surgical procedure: During the surgery, the male genitalia (penis and testicles) are removed, and the neovagina is created. There are different techniques for vaginoplasty, including penile inversion, sigmoid colon vaginoplasty, and others. The specific method used may depend on factors such as the patient’s anatomy and surgeon’s expertise.
- Penile inversion: The most common technique involves using the penile skin to create the lining of the neovagina. The head of the penis is repurposed to form the clitoris.
- Sigmoid colon vaginoplasty: In this technique, a section of the sigmoid colon is used to create the neovagina.
- Clitoroplasty: As part of the procedure, the surgeon may create a clitoris using the glans of the penis.
- Labiaplasty: The labia majora and labia minora are constructed to resemble female genitalia.
- Vaginal depth: The surgeon will create sufficient depth for the neovagina to accommodate sexual intercourse. Dilators may be used post-operatively to maintain vaginal depth.
- Closure and suturing: After constructing the neovagina and external genitalia, the incisions are closed using sutures.
- Post-operative care: Following the surgery, individuals will be closely monitored by healthcare professionals. Recovery may take several weeks, and patients will be instructed on how to care for their surgical site, manage pain, and use dilators to maintain the vaginal depth.
It’s crucial for individuals considering gender reassignment surgery to thoroughly research their options, consult with experienced surgeons, and ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure and its potential outcomes.
The decision to undergo GRS is deeply personal, and individuals should seek support from healthcare professionals, mental health experts, and support groups throughout the process.