I have a question about the effects of T on female organs - from what I read and have been told, long term use leads to atrophy and dryness in those organs/walls.
Since the fact the discharge from them is what "flushes" the system out and keeps it "clean", does this correlate in any way with an increased risk of infections in the area because those organs are no longer "flushing" themselves out as much? Either from the normal amount of discharge or from periods which usually cease?
I've never had an infection of that type before, but if there's an added risk with T because those functions begin to shut down it would be useful to know about it in advance...
TKGW,
I'm under the impression that the dryness that is referenced is related to sexual activity. I don't think it is a regular state of being, but I could be wrong. In my case, it is more difficult to get wet, and atrophy has just meant that the "canal" there is smaller. It's something to consider if you're regularly wanting to have penetrative sex there, but not really a consideration otherwise.
I've never heard of anyone experiencing an increased rate of infections after starting T.
The doctor I saw at the gender identity clinic didn't mention this and I haven't heard anything about from the internet. I think you have nothing to worry about.
Quote from: FTMax on August 26, 2016, 11:39:19 AM
TKGW,
I'm under the impression that the dryness that is referenced is related to sexual activity.
That's what I heard and assumed as well, but I suppose I'm asking in general about the function of the internal canal and whether it still produces the same amount of (non sexual) fluids it tends to do for everyday reasons. I'm not interested in having any sex with that part again, but I do wonder if T might not change the way the canal works, how much secretion it makes and whether that leads to change in the composition of it or the consistency and so on. I noticed over the last couple of years (not on T) a change in consistency anyway, and I'm just wondering if anyone experienced changes in that while on permanent T, and whether they had any adverse effects.
Does it still behave as much as it did before T and make the same amount and type of discharges, or are there changes? And of course if anyone had and complications from it...
If nobody mentions this at the GIC I guess they don't expect major issues.
Atrophy manifests in different ways for different people. Some people experience dryness, other people actually experience an increase in secretions on T. I think for most people, the consistency changes. I've heard people say it gets more watery.
From the research I've done, it seems established that yes, you are at a slightly higher risk of infections down there on T - partly due to the symptoms of atrophy, partly because the pH changes slightly. I don't know how much...er, "moistness" will affect that. The skin inside becomes more fragile, meaning its more likely to tear and open the way to infection (including STIs).
It's something to be aware of, but not something to worry about too much. Like you say, if people were having major problems, they would be talking about it.
And if you do have problems down there, you can get oestrogen cream/pills you apply to the canal that will pretty much solve the problem (though you may need multiple courses over your lifetime). Because the treatment is targeted, it won't raise the E levels in your blood enough to cause any problems/be clinically significant.
Basically, any issues you have are likely to be minor, and if they're not, there is effective treatment available.
Thanks for the info!