I'm hopefully getting on T this year and am trying to plan ahead. I've read that surgeons often recommend pumping prior to metoidioplasty, but does it make any long-term difference when you begin pumping? Say, does pumping from the get-go on testosterone HRT help maximize growth in some way (due to increased bloodflow or what have you), or are the effects strictly temporary and it just needs to be done leading up to surgery?
I'm guessing there's no proper studies on this but even some anecdotal evidence one way or the other would be of interest.

Thanks.

I pumped religiously and applied DHT cream as recommended by my surgeon.  I'm not sure if it helped or not.  I was supposed to do it post-op too but it was too painful and I eventually quit trying.  I sure don't think it hurts, and it may help.


Jay

Jay, is it still too painful now after 3 months?  I can see where it could be beneficial post op.

I tried it after 3 months and longer and it was painful and I gave up.  I'm sure it wouldn't be painful now nearly 4 years out.  But everyone is different. I had plans to keep pumping but was put off by the initial pain, so I gave up.

Sorry for delayed response - been without computer access for a bit for the best reason ever (out of town for top surgery).
Thanks for the information, Jay.

I know this thread hasnt been posted to in a while, but I restarted an account here so I am trying to get posts out there...

that being said, I am still pre-bottom surgery and would have to say I have noticed a great increase post pumping than I did in my first 2 years on t. Not just in size, both flaccid and erect, but also in blood flow. I have two very visible (when erect) blood vessels on either side of the shaft.

I am not saying it works well for everyone, I certainly remember when I first started it wasn't all that comfortable, but I have no regrets. Best of luck.

Oh and congrats on top surgery!

You really have to do it about twice a day to get any benefits, that is pre. My understand the main difference post is that it helps with the shaft sort of shrinking. But I've heard most people find it a little uncomfortable or even painful.

It should never be painful pre. You are pumping too hard if it hurts pre and you could seriously hurt yourself.

--Jay