I had MTF surgery more than two years ago when I was 17. While I don't regret my decision, I do think there are some aspects I didn't think all the way through. Dilating is presenting a problem for me, not currently, but I can foresee it being a problem in the future. I am studying physics and aerospace engineering in college. I was considering becoming an astronaut. It's always been something I was curious about and thought I could do.

It may seem farfetched, but it's not for me. This is something I am seriously considering. But, how am I going to dilate in space? I am at a complete loss. I have no clue what to do. Most space missions today last 1 to 2 years.

Part of me thinks it may have not been the best decision to have surgery. I am happy with my body, but now I feel as though I can't pursue a dream of mine. I hope you all have some guidance. I'm reading over what I have written, and I guess it sounds silly, but I am seriously concerned. I'm not sure what to do. Is there any way to have additional surgery that would get rid of this problem?

Thanks for listening,
Bubbles <3

Well, a very few people find that after long enough they don't need to dilate. Personally, I'm always going to dilate. I don't want to risk losing my wonderful new body part.

As for dilating in space, that certainly seems like a bridge to cross when you come to it.

I'm another who says not to worry about it too much now. Many women can stop dilating after a few years, and who knows whether some accommodation might be made. It'd be terrible to give up your dream and find out later that you didn't have to.

(The only non-dilation method out there is colon vaginoplasty, which is also what you'd have to have done if stopping dilations made the vagina close up... so you can do it pre-emptively, or you can wait until you know if you actually have a problem that needs fixing when the time comes. Personally, rather than risk another surgery, I'd just take my chances and see how it went in space!)

Nice fiction.

One day at a time there lass, one day at a time.  Suppose they want married or partnered couples for the long trips, so much for the dilating issue if you are hitched up.  One day at a time, and take care of yourself.  If you have ever read James Michener's book Hawaii, there is a chapter describing the cramped and very non-private nature of 19th century sailing vessels that went from the eastern U.S. to Hawaii with Christian Missionaries on them, and the number of live births that occurred just after the boats had landed, therefore, the missionaries had sex under some less than ideal conditions. But there were no other shipboard entertainments either.

Dilating in space . I suppose it's possible. None of the alternatives are good for stopping dilation. if I get the point of the post? You can stop dilation and run the risk of having the lining close up.  Granulation tissue is how it closes up and it is brutally nasty. Google this if you want. It can bleed ,smells bad, has bacteria, mucous.

Alternative to astronaut,  design rockets, help with science,  help society,