Quote from: Xhianil on September 21, 2013, 07:16:59 PM
Ok, I'm having trouble finding actual information on becoming female, so i have a few questions.
1) first steps, what should i do first?
2) what are the surgerys?
3) what do they do?
4) how much do they cost?
5) what concerns do i have?
6) what hormones should i ask about once i get someone to ask.
7) who should i ask?
8 ) how do i cope till i can come out?
9) any other tips or facts?
Ciao Xhianil,
I'll do my best to answer your question, but I'm a bit tired due to the time and my absorption of melatonin; therefore, forgive the incoherent nature of the post.
1) The best suggestion I have is to prepare yourself for the road ahead. Make sure that you are aware of what transitioning entails and consider the impact it could have on your life. There are potential pros and cons and it should be thought about deeply before making a conclusion. Once you have your answer, I suggest prepare yourself for transitioning. How will I come out? What are the consequences? How do I prepare for them? How will I deal with others? And consider the what ifs? What if I don't turn out the way I hope? What if I face rejection? Perhaps this is a hard way to look at things, but these are questions worth considering. To be honest, I've only pondered these questions and never created a full game plan. To some degree, I regret that. Yet, it's never fully possible to plan for something that isn't predictable.
2) Surgeries. Well, this depends. There are many optional surgeries involved, but none of them are required. SRS (sexual reassignment surgery) is probably the biggie. This is the surgery to change one's genitals. There is a lot more information on this in the post op section of the board. Then there is FFS (Facial Feminization
Surgery) This is the surgery to create more feminine facial features. This isn't always necessary, but it's a godsend for many. Then there is breast augmentation. Not always necessary because hormones will help with breasts, but again, it can be a godsend to some who don't develop the chest they are hoping for. There are other surgeries involved (which annoymous user included) but these seem to be the big 3 (well laser as well, but I don't see that as surgery).
3) I'm confused by what your asking? Surgery wise? It depends on the procedure. With Srs they take what you have and create a functional vagina. FFS, it depends on what you choose to get done. I'll leave this to others who are more experienced in the surgical aspects of transitioning.
4) It can be a lot. SRS is usually in the $20,000 and more range. Though it depends on a lot of factors. Does insurance cover it, where will the surgery be, who will do it,etc.
5) I can't answer that. Everyone has different concerns. I plan on only getting srs done and am concerned about the price and going under the knife in general.
6) Estrogen is the hormone that you want. Mtf transsexuals take estrogen to further feminize their bodies. This can be prescribed in pill form, injections, pellets, patches and gels. In addition to that, most mtfs use an anti-androgen to block testoterone production. While the testicles remain, you will continue to produce testosterone. Therefore, getting a blocker is important.
7) Most are prescribed hormones through an endocrinologist. Typically one sees a gender therapist (usually for at least 3 months but it varies) who then writes a letter recommending you to start hormones therapy. Once you have the letter, you can take it to a endocrinologist who will prescribe the hormones for you. Some have a general practitioner prescribe them, but this appears to be rare in my experience. There are also informed consent clinics in some big cities, but the first method is the most common way of getting hormones.
Coping comes in many forms. My methods of coping were diverse some good and others problematic. The good was I focused heavily on my school work and got involved in many activities. I was an overachiever in a major way and that opened some great doors for me (at least at the time). To be honest, I really have no good coping skills besides taking the focus off of myself and finding alternative ways to be productive and happy. But I'm doing this at 24 so obviously I was never great at coping with this,lol. Others may help you better as I'm not great at this. One thing that helps me cope mid transition is to accept myself and embrace my trans identity. I can't say I have fully done it as I'm not close to being full time, but interacting with other trans people and making the small steps to become the real me has been incredibly therapeutic.
9) Be true to yourself and do what's best for you. There are so many possible paths in life. Choose the one that you want and work hard to make it successful. Secondly, realize this is a challenge. However, on the other hand, realize that many things that seem impossible can be overcome. I'm early in my transition and I've been amazed at how hard it can be. Yet, I've also been amazed by how things can improve when I didn't see happening. Lifes a bit of a roller coaster and transitioning is no different.
Good luck with everything.
P.S. Told you it would be an incoherent rambling mess,lol.
