Post-op three years out

[suzifrommd]

I looked at the calendar yesterday and realized it's been more than 3 years since my surgery. I wanted to post an update because some of what I'm experience, I hadn't heard about beforehand, and I thought it might be helpful for people here to know.

* I'm generally happy with having a vagina. I still find myself looking down at times (when I'm waking up, for example) to be amazed at how lucky I am to be able to walk around shaped the way I'm supposed to be.

* I'm still a virgin. I have a partner who is willing to change that but I confess I'm terrified. There are three tender spots: (1) My clitoris is large and takes up space. When dilators go in there it still is not comfortable. (2) The surgeon lined my inner labia with tissue from my urethra for moistness which was made the area around the urethral opening extremely painful to touch. Mostly doesn't bother me, even when I'm dilating, but I'm concerned it will be impossible to avoid for my partner. (3) The left side of my clitoral head has a tender spot. I had a doctor take a look at it and she couldn't find anything wrong there, no scar tissue, foreign bodies, etc. She said that sometimes there are just tender spots. So I just can't convince myself that penetrative sex won't be excruciating and I honestly don't want my partner to feel self-conscious or cautious (can't imagine that would be a good experience for them). They haven't pushed me.

* I still dilate 3 times a week. I can't go more than sixty hours or so between dilations or it's uncomfortable when it goes in. I know this is unusual, but seems to be the way my body is built. I'm going to wait a few more months and try dropping it down to twice a week and see if that changes. The good news is that I'm so naturally moist that the lube I use seems somewhat superfluous.

* I can't have an orgasm without introducing testosterone into my body. Before I went on T-blockers originally, orgasm was easy for me and if I put a bit of T-Gel on ahead of time, orgasm now isn't an issue. I've heard there are some surgeons who prescribe T as a matter of course. My hormone doctor has no problem prescribing it, but my insurance wouldn't cover it (T-use by women is off-label) so I have to pay out of pocket. 30 doses costs $450, so I use it sparingly (would anyway - not really worth losing my hair).

* I find that I can't go without using pads or my underwear gets slimy. Not complaining. The pads are not expensive and I love being that moist.

Hope this helps pre-ops who are thinking about it and post-ops who may be experience the same issues.

[Devlyn]

Big hug! Three years, wow!

You have a patient lover, everything will be fine. Take the top and you'll be in control of the penetration. Besides, who doesn't love putting a man in a submissive position........oh jeez, did I say that out loud? 

Keep us posted, hon!

Hugs, Devlyn

[HappyMoni]

Hi Suzi,
   We met a few months back at the support group. I am having GCS in two days. Thanks for the tips, I wish it was easier for you. Take care!
Moni

[Maybebaby56]

Hi Suzi!

Thank you for the update. I miss seeing you around here!

I have no idea what my future holds in terms of recovery, but I will find out in a couple of months.  Whatever the outcome, I don't think there will be any regrets. I lost the ability to have sex as a man even before HRT, so I don't see it as giving up much, except for that lifetime of dilation part. That's kind of a downside. But my gosh, as you said, the ability to look at your body and finally see it look how you had hoped it would look all your life... yeah, I can put up with dilations.

I hope all is well with you.

Your friend,

Terri 

EDIT of EDIT: I'm glad you and Moni had a chance to meet.  She is a gem. And you my friend have done so much for me, giving me the courage to start presenting as female in public.

[KayXo]

I looked at the calendar yesterday and realized it's been more than 3 years since my surgery.

Post-op 11.5 yrs.

I'm generally happy with having a vagina. I still find myself looking down at times (when I'm waking up, for example) to be amazed at how lucky I am to be able to walk around shaped the way I'm supposed to be.

+ 1.

I still dilate 3 times a week. I can't go more than sixty hours or so between dilations or it's uncomfortable when it goes in. I know this is unusual, but seems to be the way my body is built. I'm going to wait a few more months and try dropping it down to twice a week and see if that changes. The good news is that I'm so naturally moist that the lube I use seems somewhat superfluous.

4-5 yrs in, I stopped dilating. Several years later, I've lost a little depth but no worries.

I can't have an orgasm without introducing testosterone into my body. Before I went on T-blockers originally, orgasm was easy for me and if I put a bit of T-Gel on ahead of time, orgasm now isn't an issue. I've heard there are some surgeons who prescribe T as a matter of course. My hormone doctor has no problem prescribing it, but my insurance wouldn't cover it (T-use by women is off-label) so I have to pay out of pocket. 30 doses costs $450, so I use it sparingly (would anyway - not really worth losing my hair).

I could always, quite easily, orgasm post-op even with T levels as low as 2-3 ng/dl (0.1 nmol/L) and regardless of how high or low my estrogen and progesterone values were BUT higher E and P, especially, increase my libido and make the whole experience more pleasurable. Vagina became softer, more moist and elastic after I switched to injectable E. I lubricate plenty when aroused and during orgasm, there usually is a significant amount of clear fluid that is being secreted.

I recently added a little T, apply a little amount of gel every day, it doesn't cost me a cent. I now get aroused by stimulating my clitoris and even, nipples. Just WOW! Clitoral orgasm is achievable.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Suzi.

[warlockmaker]

A year and a half post op and I still dilate daily. I find that if I dont then I quickly lose depth, currently at six inches. Seems that when having sex and I am aroused that inserting into my vagina is much easier. A male penis is easier to enter than the dilator. At 6 inches I find I can handle a 7 inch male. Had fun measiring him.

I have orgasms easily both clitotal and vaginal and have a clear dischargeI after orgasms. I tend to use a fair amount of llubricant, For dilation I use ky and baby oil for sex. I find that my libido could use some boosting and will talk with my endo about T creams.

My issues are that I now bruise easily compared to when I was a male and that I have to use alot of moisturizing cream to prevent skin dryness.

Thank you for sharing.