Q: What are the pros and cons of metoidioplasty?

Pros It preserves erotic sensitivity. The sensitivity of the clitoris is present in the newly formed penis. The penis formed through metoidioplasty has erectile function. When considering metoidioplasty vs. phalloplasty, metoidioplasty is less costly and has a shorter recovery time. A phalloplasty is a more involved procedure, in which a flap of skin is removed from another part of the body and used to extend the urethra and form a more sizable penis. Recovery from a phalloplasty tends to be more extensive. Metoidioplasty complications are uncommon. Cons The penis formed through metoidioplasty is about one to three inches long and may not have enough length for penetration. If that's your goal, a phalloplasty could be a better option. You’ll need to undergo hormone replacement therapy (testosterone treatment) for a year or two prior to surgery, to enlarge the clitoris. Recovery can take up to three months.

Question 1

What is a metoidioplasty?

Accepted Answer

What is a metoidioplasty?

FTM (female-to-male) metoidioplasty (also called meta surgery) is a surgery for transgender men who want a functional penis that looks natural. FTM metoidioplasty reduces gender dysphoria by allowing a man to change the appearance of his genitals to match his gender identity.

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Question 2

What are the pros and cons of metoidioplasty?

Accepted Answer

Pros

It preserves erotic sensitivity. The sensitivity of the clitoris is present in the newly formed penis.
The penis formed through metoidioplasty has erectile function.
When considering metoidioplasty vs. phalloplasty, metoidioplasty is less costly and has a shorter recovery time. A phalloplasty is a more involved procedure, in which a flap of skin is removed from another part of the body and used to extend the urethra and form a more sizable penis. Recovery from a phalloplasty tends to be more extensive.
Metoidioplasty complications are uncommon.

Cons

The penis formed through metoidioplasty is about one to three inches long and may not have enough length for penetration. If that's your goal, a phalloplasty could be a better option.
You’ll need to undergo hormone replacement therapy (testosterone treatment) for a year or two prior to surgery, to enlarge the clitoris.
Recovery can take up to three months.

Question 3

How much does a metoidioplasty cost?

Accepted Answer

The average cost of metoidioplasty is $12,000. That doesn’t include:

Testosterone treatment before surgery
Additional procedures carried out at the time of surgery, like a hysterectomy or urethral lengthening
Refinement surgeries, if you’re unhappy with the outcome
Medications you’ll need after the surgery
Hospital fees, if you need to stay in the hospital after the procedure

Every clinic is different, so discuss the price with your surgeon during your initial consultation. Some clinics will have a specially trained team member who can detail the costs for you.

Metoidioplasty and testosterone treatments aren’t covered by insurance, but your insurance provider may help with the cost of medications after the surgery.

Question 4

What should you expect during metoidioplasty surgery?

Accepted Answer

A metoidioplasty usually takes between 2.5 and 5 hours. Beyond the primary procedure, which reshapes the existing female genital tissue into a penis, there are optional complementary operations, such as hysterectomy (uterus removal) and a vaginectomy (vagina removal); you can discuss these with your surgeon during your initial consultation.

If you opt for a simple metoidioplasty, with no additional procedures, you’ll be sedated and receive local anesthesia. You won’t remember anything after the surgery, and you’ll feel relaxed, but you won’t be unconscious, as you would be with general anesthesia.

In many cases, patients are required to undergo psychological screening to confirm gender dysphoria prior to surgery. An assessment can help ensure you’re mentally prepared for such an extensive surgery.

The procedure includes some or all of the following steps, depending on your goals.

Testosterone treatment prior to surgery to enlarge the clitoris, giving surgeons ample tissue to work with. Dr. Praful Ramineni, a plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C., explains in a RealSelf Q&A, “If the clitoris doesn't have sufficient size, then it can't be released and advanced forward, and the aesthetic and functional outcome would be poor.”
Release of the clitoral tissues
Rearrangement of the labial tissue to form a new penis
Rerouting of the urethra so it runs through the penis
A scrotoplasty, transforming the vulva into a pouch that can house testicular implants

Beyond the type of anesthesia used and the additional procedures you decide on, each surgeon has unique techniques and preferences. You may be able to go home the same day, but you’ll likely stay in the hospital for one to three nights after your surgery.

If you decide to add urethral lengthening (so you can pee standing up) or choose to have any of your female reproductive organs removed, you’ll need general anesthesia. The risk of complications rises with each additional procedure, and general anesthesia carries its own risks. Other complications of metoidioplasty include infection, wound breakdown, narrowing of the urethra, and urethral fistulas. Be sure to discuss all the risks with your surgeon at your consultation.

Question 5

How long does recovery take?

Accepted Answer

Metoidioplasty is major surgery, and full recovery can take 12 to 18 months. Take at least one week off from work or school for your immediate recovery, and follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.

Here's what to expect during recovery:

In the week following, you’ll be up and walking around.
Your doctor will prescribe painkillers (as well as antibiotics, stool softeners, muscle relaxants, and anti-nausea medication) to make you more comfortable, but you may still experience difficulty with urination, constipation, and nausea during recovery.
If you underwent urethral lengthening, you’ll likely need a catheter to urinate for three to four weeks after surgery.
You’ll be able to return to more strenuous activities after six weeks.
Your doctor will probably recommend that you delay sex until your sutures have dissolved, which can take up to three months.

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