Everything you Need to Know Before Going for Your Gender Reassignment Surgery
Also known as gender affirmation, the surgery is the procedures undertaken to change the genitalia from one gender to another. Usually, the patient’s emotional and intuitive gender does not match their physical gender. This is the primary reason for pursuing a gender reassignment surgery.
Understanding a few basics about the surgery will answer most of your questions about the process. More so, it is essential that you prepare adequately for both successful procedures and post-surgery. Here is some information you need to have about gender reconstruction surgery.
- Losing weight will make everything better
If you are overweight, you should consider starting a weight loss journey as you wait for your gender reassignment surgery appointment. The procedure would not be entirely safe if you have unhealthy weight as it increases the risk factor of developing complications. Some of these include a slower wound-healing process and developing deep vein thrombosis. Generally, it is essential to leave a healthy lifestyle, which includes quitting smoking, before and after the procedure.
2 It takes about a year to heal from the surgery
It is worth noting that scars may never disappear. However, they will look different with time. After the surgery, the scars may appear raised, but with time they become flat and the same level as the skin, making them barely visible. Full recovery of a gender reassignment surgery may take place after a year. It is also important to remember that you may not be able to resume regular work until after 4-6 weeks. During this time, avoid strenuous activity.
- You should be mentally prepared
Mental preparation is essential before going for sex affirmation surgery. More so, mental health is critical for a positive outcome of the operation. In this case, talking to individuals who have undergone the procedure. Through their stories, you will have an idea of what to expect during and after the process. This way, you will get insights that can help you amply prepare for the procedure and successful recovery. If you don’t know a person who has been in this situation before, you can look up online for such stories. Your gender reassignment surgeon can also be instrumental in this. While listening and reading other people’s stories, remember that not all their cases will apply to yours.
- You have the option of having biological children after the surgery
One of the most common questions linked to gender reassignment surgeries is the ability of the patient to have biological children. The answer to this question is yes. However, note that this is possible through fertility preservation. That is either egg freezing or sperm banking. If you are considering having children in the future, you must let your doctor know before embarking on gender reassignment therapy.
Having a support system, like friends and family, will make the process smoother for you. With the insights above, you should be able to prepare for your gender reassignment surgery adequately.