Why Dilators And Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Are Needed After A Gender Affirming Vaginoplasty
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If you are considering gender affirming vaginoplasty, there are two things you should know about: dilators and pelvic health physical therapy. Why? Because they can help make your post-operative experience successful!
Let’s take a look at what vaginoplasty is, what dilators are, and how pelvic health physical therapists can help you.
What is a vaginoplasty?
A vaginoplasty is a gender-affirming surgical procedure that involves reconstructing or creating a vagina and involves removing the penis, testicles, and scrotum. It helps transgender women and gender diverse individuals who were assigned male at birth to transition their body to match their gender identity. The most common type of vaginoplasty is some variation of the one-step procedure, penile inversion. Learn more about the vaginoplasty procedure from trusted sources: John Hopkins Medicine and University of California, San Francisco Transgender Program.
Vaginoplasty is just one part of the gender-affirming care that transgender individuals can have. Once someone has had a gender-affirming bottom surgery like vaginoplasty, they will need pelvic health rehab to optimize recovery. With the help of gender-affirming surgeons and pelvic health rehab specialists, transgender women can regain control of their bodies and feel more aligned with their identities.
Why are dilators needed after surgery?
One of the most important things to do after a vaginoplasty is to use dilators regularly, as this helps to maintain the depth and width of the vaginal canal and prevent scar tissue formation. Each person’s dilator journey looks different, and you should have a clear understanding from your surgeon about what your dilator program entails. Protocols vary but can be anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes per session for up to 3 sessions per day initially.
The dilator set most often recommended is from Soul Source. Their GRS Vaginal dilators were developed with a surgeon to help transgender women following vaginoplasty. They come in 6 graduated sizes, and each dilator has markings to help gauge the depth you’re inserting it.
How can pelvic health physical therapists help?
Healing well from a vaginoplasty procedure requires taking special care of your pelvic health to ensure you recover fully. This is where pelvic health physical therapists come in!
These specially trained healthcare professionals are knowledgeable in pelvic floor muscle functioning and have additional training in assessing and treating pelvic health conditions. A pelvic health physical therapist can help with both pre-and post-operative care; this includes providing guidance on proper dilator use and maintaining pelvic health after the vaginoplasty. They will evaluate your pelvic floor muscles before and after surgery, starting you on a program to achieve optimal pelvic floor functioning. Additionally, they will review bladder habits that may have been impacted following the procedure. With the aid of a pelvic health physical therapist, you’ll be well prepared to manage pain, improve your pelvic health, and progress to sexual activity following your vaginoplasty. Learn more about pelvic health physical therapy and what to expect in my YouTube video.
Dilators are an essential part of your vaginoplasty recovery, as well as working with a specially trained pelvic health physical therapist. Talking to your surgeon about dilator use and pelvic health before your vaginoplasty is a great way to ensure short-term and long-term results.
Need to find a qualified pelvic health physical therapist near you? Check out these resources:
