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A Guide to SRS

Living with your new body

Remember, it’s not just a vagina, it’s a vulva too, it’s not just for sex, it’s for you!

General vagina / vulva stuff

  • If you had PPV you likely produce vaginal discharge now. Pads are useful initially while healing, but unsustainable so just buy more underwear
    • YMMV, Some people that have PPV but don’t produce much (if any) vaginal discharge.
  • If you had PIV you may need to douche now.
    • I have no knowledge on living with this technique, my guess is there is no discharge produced with this technique.
      • Please contact me if you have knowledge on this, so it can be added
  • Genitals are genitals
    • They aren’t going to be super pretty or perfect or whatever else, it’s an organ, its functional and looks how it needs to
    • Every woman has a different vulva and among cis women I’m sure there is also a lot of anxiety over what “looks” normal
  • Your genitals will be different from what you’re used to,
    • For me something I struggled with initially was that they were not as “clean”.
    • A penis is practically all external, you can clean everything and it stays that way mostly.
      • A vulva is more more contained, more folds more crevices
      • A vagina is an internal cavity that has its own microbiome and secretions, and as such it’s not something you can stop doing what its doing
    • This is normal, and it will become your new normal. Just be more mindful of the new places you have to wash in the shower
  • Urinating is different now, just figure out how to sit for your body
    • If you’re still recovering from surgery the direction will likely change over the recovery period
  • You’ve got a microbiome in there now
    • Disrupting it through a variety of means is possible now, I am not an expert on this.
    • there’s not much info on probiotics
      • In future if I find any studies they’ll be referenced here
  • Get familiar with your new anatomy
    • Touch and feel around! poke and prod! Get a mirror and look! Bend over and gaze! It’s your body, you should know it.

Intimacy

  • Initially you may experience numbness, tingling, etc. or things not feeling right
    • The area has undergone quite a bit of physical trauma and nerves will take a while to heal.
    • Don’t rush yourself and take things regarding intimacy at your own pace.
      • It will likely take a while to learn how to orgasm again, or for some people barely any time.
      • Be careful having sex too quickly, Dr Hart recommends waiting six to eight weeks after the operation
      • I’d say this also includes anal sex, as you can likely damage your healing areas through the tissue
  • It is advisable to pee after sex
    • Your urethra is right next to your vaginal entrance now and this will help prevent UTIs
  • Inside your vagina there is a G spot
    • This is located two to three inches in and pushing up (depending on your body)
      • This is the prostate
  • Anal sex is reportedly the same after healing, albeit with more tissue in the way of the rectum and prostate.

Other stuff

  • If you were taking testosterone blockers previously, you won’t need to take them any more
    • In fact, some women get testosterone prescribed as their levels drop below the normal cis range
  • Pelvic floor strength is important
  • When you interact with doctors other than Dr Hart in regards to vaginal/vulval health issues, you are likely to be the expert as very few people are properly educated on this subject.
    • While daunting, you still have to be prepared for this. Do your best to research whatever your question is beforehand, and be assertive in that knowledge —get the care you need.
  • Post surgery depression is a real thing, be mindful of this and be gentle with yourself.

Other resources