A vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that tightens or reconstructs the outer and inner muscles of your vagina, which can become weak and loose over time.It is possible to improve your comfort levels and symptoms of incontinence.Though this is not well studied and highly individual, some claim it can boost sexual pleasure.If you're undergoing gender-affirming surgery, a vaginoplasty can create a vagina.You can prepare for a vaginoplasty by visiting your doctor, arranging your surgery, and following pre-op requirements.You will work with your doctor to prepare for gender affirming surgery.
Step 1: Talk to your doctor about the procedure.
Your doctor can tell you everything you need to know about the procedure.They will talk about the risks of the surgery.Your doctor can help you avoid disappointment if you tell them why you want the surgery.Before approving you for the procedure, the doctor will ask about your health and well-being.Your medical history should include conditions you're being treated for.Tell the doctor if you're seeing a therapist.It's best to tell the doctor if you're undergoing treatment for a condition related to your decision to get a vaginoplasty.The doctor should be given a list of all the medications you are taking.Discuss your needs after surgery.You should expect to be in the hospital for a few days after the surgery.
Step 2: You should get a blood test.
To make sure you're healthy for surgery, your doctor will want to do a few simple tests.A simple blood test is what they'll do first.They can check your health profile to make sure you are healthy.If you're pregnant, you won't be able to get a vaginoplasty.
Step 3: Go for a urine test.
The doctor will do a urinalysis to make sure you're healthy.This is a painless test.The medical staff will take care of the rest, you just need to urinate in a cup.
Step 4: If you don't want more kids, confirm that you are not pregnant.
If you want to have more children or are pregnant, you shouldn't get a vaginoplasty.It's best for you to wait until you're done having kids.If you don't plan to become pregnant, your doctor will likely ask you to confirm that.The doctor may allow you to have the surgery if you have a baby.
Step 5: You can check your coverage by contacting your insurance provider.
Vaginoplasty isn't usually covered by insurance companies.You might have to pay for it out of pocket.If you don't know if you can afford the procedure, ask your doctor if they offer a payment plan.You can get a line of credit for medical procedures.An application like that of most credit cards is required for CareCredit.
Step 6: You have to make a budget for the procedure.
Factor in the cost of the procedure, your pre-op and follow-up appointments, pharmacy costs, and the time you'll need to take off workDetermine where you'll get the money, such as from savings or borrowing.Some of your appointments may be covered by insurance, so you don't have to pay out of pocket.A vaginoplasty in the US can cost between $4,500 and $8,500.
Step 7: If applicable, plan the surgery in between menstrual periods.
You can't get a vaginoplasty while you're on your period.The best time to have the surgery is right after your period, which allows you as much recovery time as possible before your next period starts.
Step 8: Take pictures of your genitals.
A set of photos could be what your doctor wants.You and your doctor can see the difference before and after your surgery.
Step 9: Make your appointment.
It can take several months to a year to get your surgery.You should find out your surgery date in the next few months.Your doctor can tell you more about your case.
Step 10: It is possible to schedule time off of work.
You will need at least a few days to recover, but how long you take off depends on your job demands.Asking for at least a calendar week is a good idea.If your job demands a lot of strength, you might want to take off a bit longer.Ask your doctor how long you should stay.If you lose part of your income, you should make a budget to cover living costs.
Step 11: You should ask someone to help you.
As soon as your surgery is over, you will need help.Someone will need to drive you home.Helping care for pets, preparing meals, and completing household chores are included in this.It's a good idea to arrange this help in advance.You may be able to recruit a few friends or loved ones to act as a support system after your surgery.In the days following your procedure, you can hire a professional home-care nurse.
Step 12: Make your recovery easier by creating a pain treatment plan.
It is normal to experience some pain after surgery, but it is possible to minimize it.It's easier to treat your pain if you have a plan in place.Discuss medicine with your doctor.If it's recommended, get an over-the-counter pain relief.Ask your doctor if it's right for you.Purchase a heating pad or heat pack to help manage your pain.
Step 13: Food is easy to prepare in the fridge and freezer.
It's a good idea to have lots of easy options at home because cooking will be hard after surgery.Commercial microwaveable dinners can be used to make meals ahead of time.If this is an option, you could have someone cook for you.
Step 14: Mood boosters are needed for your downtime.
You will need to take a break after your surgery.A book, coloring book or favorite TV show is a good way to occupy your mind during this time.It's a good idea to collect a few easy-to-access options so that you can keep your mood up while you recover.There are new releases in the library.You can get an adult coloring book or coloring app.On your favorite streaming site, add a new comedy to your watchlist.You can easily access your iPad and other devices by placing them near your recovery area.
Step 15: If you're still menstruating, purchase menstruation pads.
After your surgery, you won't be able to use a menstrual cup.While you're in recovery, menstruation pads are an easy alternative.Ask your doctor if you should use a menstrual cup.Before these methods are an option for you, your muscles must be healed.
Step 16: Discuss sex after the surgery with your partner.
You will need to avoid sex for 3-6 weeks while your vagina heals.Discuss ways to be intimate without sex if your partner understands the wait.Before engaging in sexual activity, visit your doctor for a check-up.You need to have your vagina examined by the doctor.
Step 17: One week prior to surgery, stop taking aspirin and blood thinners.
All surgeries increase the risk of bleeding.Blood thinners make it harder for your blood to clot.You shouldn't take aspirin or ibuprofen before your surgery because they can thin your blood.You should stop taking vitamins and supplements.If you tell your doctor what you're taking, they can advise you.Talk to your doctor about when you should stop taking the blood thinner.Don't stop taking it until you speak to your doctor.
Step 18: Don't smoke in the weeks before your surgery.
Smoking can affect your recovery time.It makes it hard for blood to flow because it narrows your veins.During recovery, your blood isn't able to deliver enough oxygen to your body.Your doctor may check your urine to make sure you quit.It's a good idea to stop smoking at least 8 weeks before your surgery.
Step 19: Before surgery, shave your genital area.
It's easier for the doctor to complete the procedure.It can make you less likely to get an infection.If you don't shave the area before the operation, the medical team may do it.
Step 20: Follow your pre-op instructions.
The doctor will tell you what to do in the days leading up to the surgery.You may be told to fast the day before the surgery.You may only be allowed clear liquids the rest of the day, so it's best to eat breakfast that morning.Your pre-op plan may include a bowel cleanse with clear liquids, as well as drinking more than 8 glasses of water.
Step 21: Relax to cope with stress.
It's normal to be worried before surgery.Relaxing the night before the surgery is a good idea.Deep breathing exercises can be performed.Meditate.Do yoga or stretch.You can color in an adult coloring book.If the weather is nice, walk outside.Take a warm bath.
Step 22: Plan for an overnight stay in the hospital.
You might be able to leave the hospital a few hours after your surgery, but many doctors will hold you overnight.You should pack an overnight bag with a change of clothes, a robe, and any other items you might need.
Step 23: Discuss the risks and options.
It's not right for everyone to have gender-affirming surgery.It can be expensive and irreversible.The benefits and risks of gender affirming surgery can be assessed by your doctor and therapist.A therapist can determine if you're mentally fit to have the procedure.How long you want to wait for the procedure will also be considered.You have to show that you've been living as a woman for at least a year before you can be approved.
Step 24: Two letters of support from mental health professionals are required.
Each letter must be written by a mental health professional who has worked with trans people.You can find a therapist near you using a site like Psychology Today.You're competent to choose the surgery and consent to treatment and you've been undergoing hormone treatment.
Step 25: It's a good idea to take extra time off.
It takes about 2 months to recover from gender-affirming surgery.You will need to stay home for a week after surgery.It's best to have a lighter workload after that week.Ask your boss if you can work from home if it's possible.For a few weeks, if you work a field job, ask for desk duty.It is possible to work part-time.You should check with your doctor before going back to work.
Step 26: When should you stop taking hormones?
Before you can have the surgery, you need to stop taking hormones.The surgeons will make their own recommendations.You can expect to stop taking them about 3 weeks before your surgery.
Step 27: Discuss sex with your partner after surgery.
It will take 2 months to fully recover after gender surgery.You have to avoid sex during this time.It's a good idea to explore other ways to be intimate before your surgery.
Step 28: Hair can be removed from your genital area.
Check with your surgeon to find out what this will involve.It could be just shaving your genital area.Before getting gender-affirming surgery, some surgeons require you to get hair removal.
Step 29: Expect to be in the hospital for a few days.
You will most likely be admitted to the hospital a day or two before the surgery.You will need to remain in the hospital for at least 3 nights after your surgery.The length of your stay can vary.Asking your doctor what the average hospital stay is for their patients is a good idea.You will probably experience some pain in your vagina in the days after your surgery.As you heal, the doctor can help you manage your pain.