Worried about binding

[flockofdoves]

I know this would probably fit better in the crossdressing thread.. it just seems like that thread is all mtf crossdressing so I came here instead.
I just got my chest binder and I'm super psyched. I absolutely love the way it looks. However, I've read that binding can cause permanent breast tissue damage, crush the glands, and over time make them smaller. I've only ever seen this mentioned in passing and was wondering if any of you guys out there have information on this? As alluded to earlier, I'm more of a closet cross dresser than a full-time ftm, and am worried about boobs getting smaller/damage to the glands.

[spacial]

Speaking as someone who, sadly, didn't develop breasts, I'll start by apologising if I may be commenting on something for which I am clearly not qualified.

Look at this page: http://www.ftmguide.org/binding.html

I honestly think you'll get as many different responses as people you ask and each will be weighted by personal aspirations.

If you think about it, this part of the body, like any other, needs a blood supply and it needs to move occasionally. Moreover, you absolutely need to breathe.

But remember, that the bra is a recent invention. Prior to the bra, women have been binding themselves since time began.

Hopefully, some of our FtM guys on here can give you some more reliable information.

[Felix]

I've been binding for 8 to 10 hours a day for about 8 months. My breasts have definitely gotten smaller, flatter, squishier. They've lost their shape and are starting to point down like national geographic boobs. My nipples have lost a lot of sensation, and the skin on my breasts is softer and drier.

I also had all my cysts go away, which is cool.

I think if you don't bind too often or too hard you probably won't see much change for awhile.

The site spacial linked is excellent, and you also might want to check some of the older ftm threads.

[caseyyy]

I only bind when I go out, so maybe 3-4 days a week. My breasts sag when I have my period and they're bloated, but when I'm not PMSing, they're still rather, er, perky for their size.

[flockofdoves]

Thanks for sharing your experiences guys, and thanks for the great link spacial! I'm not a very large chested girl, so I guess I'll stick to a small sports bra for most of the time and whip out my binder on special occasions. Ah, how I wish there was a way to go between the two genders without compromising the other!

[Felix]

Thanks for sharing your experiences guys, and thanks for the great link spacial! I'm not a very large chested girl, so I guess I'll stick to a small sports bra for most of the time and whip out my binder on special occasions. Ah, how I wish there was a way to go between the two genders without compromising the other!

I have asthma, and when my breathing gets bad, I switch to sports bra and layering. It's not half bad, if you don't mind doing it. I pass at least as well doing that, but I have to watch my posture a little, and not take off outer layers even when I'm sweating.

[spacial]

Thanks for sharing your experiences guys, and thanks for the great link spacial! I'm not a very large chested girl, so I guess I'll stick to a small sports bra for most of the time and whip out my binder on special occasions. Ah, how I wish there was a way to go between the two genders without compromising the other!

With respect, you should insist upon being free to do just that.

Sorry to get all philosophical, but it is compelety unacceptable that any of us should feel constrained about how we express ourselves. It's a reality, of course, Especially for some. But as free thinking humans, is remains unacceptable.

The pressure to conform to personal norms, is gradually diminishing. That is only a good thing.