Gender reassignment surgery: Do FtM get the short end of the stick (no pun intended)?

Question

So I've been watching a lot of Sex Change Hospital on WE lately and I really enjoy watching these real life stories about gender reassignment. It helps me with my own issues about being transgender.

The one thing I'm wondering is the comparison between MtF and FtM reassignment surgery. I don't know, to me, it seems a little unfair. A MtF pateint's genitals are reshaped from a penis into a vagina, with clitoris and penetration capabilities. A FtM's genitals are reshaped in many cases to an undersized, non-functioning penis, there are testicular implants, and in some cases, the vagina is kept intact? It was stated this was for urinary purposes (because you would have to extend the urinary tract through the newly-fashioned penis, a surgical procedure which is not always successful). This means despite being a man, they still have to sit to pee, not stand, and they're still left in what appears to me to be a somewhat ambiguous genital state.

Is this accurate? I understands there are limits to human biology, and what can be done surgically, but it seems like FtM transsexuals are at an disadvantage when it comes to genital reassignment surgery.

It is easier to take away tissue than to add to it - or creating something from nothing - but with technological advances being what they are, isn't there more that can be done?

Answer 1

Yes, we are at a huge disadvantage.



There just aren't as many people that are knowledable that FTM's even EXIST! A lot of people think that there are only MTF transsexuals. So, the majority of education in terms of healthcare and surgery has been focused on them. It's a crude saying, but a lot of them have said "It's easier to make a hole than a pole."



And since I understand biology and medicine pretty well, I can see that and why it is that way. But the way I see it, (and I'll probably start some controversy over this) is that in the world of surgery, it's predominated by biological male surgeons. Maybe somewhere deep down, they feel that improving on FTM surgery would somehow threaten their OWN masculinity and as such, don't want to put forth the effort? *shrugs* Just a theory.



But I also know the physical limitations due to anatomy too. There are surgeries available, one being a Centurion metoidioplasty where they can do a urethral lengthening through running along the underside of the newly formed phallus that would allow for standing to pee. It's just not always successful and sometimes you still end up having to sit anyway though.



I wish it could be improved upon. But I also realize it's a lot easier to create a vagina from a penis since you have tissue to work with, than it is to create a penis from a vagina where you don't. Also, the FTM surgery is WAAAAY more expensive than MTF genital reassignment surgery. Plus ours is much more invasive (usually requiring skin and tissue grafts) , and requires more than one surgery. It usually requires a hyterectomy, silicone testicle implants, sewing up the vaginal opening (if getting a urethral lengthening) , tissue grafts, etc.



It's just not worth it to me. I'll stick with just getting my chest reconstructed thank you.

Answer 2

yes i believe what you're saying is true.. i've had a chat with a transgender FtM in a interview kind of way.. and i've seen the pix of operations of sex transfer and it's really a disadvantage... first of all the surgeries are alot less for MtF. upper and lower surgery.. the hormones would do alot of the work already.. and they don't usually cut the extra lower tissus they reverse them and reverse the penis in a way to make the "vagina" but it really serves as a vagina even though the person can't carry children... but FtM will need an operation or even more than one for the upper part of the body and there is different ones to choose from, and there is the lower part which needs at the very least from 6 to 9 operations and yes, doing the natural way meaning with the hormones the clitoris enlarges and then with an operation everything is connected to the veins.. that should get everything to work out fine but of course there are exceptions.. but i know some FtMs who's said the don't care about the size.. that's the last thing they're doing these operations for..

Answer 3

Ftm Lower Surgery

Answer 4

Yep transguys get the short end of the surgery stick, but after HRT they usually end up passing a lot easier than transwomen. If you took my before and after pictures and our transguy friend's before and after pictures, then compared them you would probably notice that (he and I have been in transition and on HRT for the same amount of time, from the same age) he got the better end of the hormones stick. I could be wrong. I have been feeling really dysphoric lately, so it might just be my imagination.



Medical breakthroughs take time even if they came up with a better procedure tomorrow it would be a couple of years before the actual procedure was preformed and a few years beyond that before it could be preformed in the US. Plus with the restrictions on stem cell research a better surgical path for FTM's is even further complicated, and on top of all that the politics involved in getting a medical research grant to do so make it even more difficult as most universities and hospitals see it as waste of resources.

Answer 5

I have had this exact same thought. To me, it also does not seem fair. I wasn't too aware of the ins and outs of FTM transitions until earlier this year. I knew a good deal about MTF already. Comparing the two - it's like there is sort of neglect.



BTW - if they could very successfully re-attach John Wayne Bobbit to his member and have it work functionally - I see no reason why they can't do the same for a FTM.

Answer 6

Yup, transguys have terrible bottom surgery results. This is the reason for many just opting out of that whole equation and finding other ways to cope.



There are advances, new techniques are formed every so often, and there is research being done. Ironically it's not usually in the name of helping transmen though. It's to help the other guys, who have lost their penis or the function of it through illness or injury.



One day we'll get the surgery results we seek though. There's no way to go but up!

Answer 7

Ftm Genital Surgery

Answer 8

Omg, when is that show on? I need to watch it. I'm a tranny boy, and I know what you mean :-{ I wanna penis.

I'm going to be famous one day. I don't think I'll mind being out as a tranny boy if I don't have female parts, even if the male one's aren't there yet. I want to change the image the world has of FtMs, or create one if there isn't one. Isn't that a great opportunity? The first mad famous FtM, a hot hairdresser/model. Yeah, that's my dream.

Answer 9

I would probably avoid direct eye contact for a while, say a couple of months. Whenever you do come in contact with him/her just stare at his/her breasts or pelvic region. I would also coordinate and ambush after a night at the sports bar. Ya know, ask her up for a last bear and have all the candles lit and come out of the bedroom in a silk robe a little loose....

Answer 10

I had no idea that WE had this series on, I'm going to find out when it's on. Hopefully they will replay what I have missed. I agree that FtM's are at a surgical disadvantage when it comes to gender correction surgery. Thanks for getting the word out about this program.





L

Answer 11

Yes it is more difficult for FtM. Bottom surgery has not been totally perfected yet, I have some sites I will add at the end here. Many choose to go without the bottom surgery just because it is so expensive and incomplete. The problem is not with human biology but with technology

http://www.ftminfo.net/

http://marcibowers.com/grs/ftmoutcomes.html

http://www.pai.co.th/services/services.asp?services_id=99

http://seattletransgender.org/SRSFemale.aspx

http://www.ftmguide.org/

http://www.lauras-playground.com/trans_support_groups.htm

http://www.thetransitionalmale.com/

http://ftm.underworks.com/

Answer 12

Yes, its' true that trans man are at a disadvantage surgically. The surgical procedures are more difficult, and usually less satisfactory, although they are improving slowly.



On the other hand, (although it may be small consolation) they have an advantage socially; it's much easier for a trans man to 'pass' , especially if he's been on testosterone for any length of time, than it is for a trans woman.



Swings and roundabouts, I guess...

Answer 13

Don't alter your genitals at all. The let Society make the adjustments.