A Comprehensive Guide to Vaginoplasty Treatment

Vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at either constructing or repairing the vagina, addressing a range of medical conditions such as vaginal injuries, congenital anomalies, or as part of gender affirmation surgery.

It involves the creation of a vagina and vulva while removing the penis, scrotum, and testicles, thus serving as a gender-affirming surgery option. While the term "vagina" is commonly used to refer to all reproductive parts associated with individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB), it's crucial to differentiate between the vagina, which is the internal muscular canal, and the vulva, which is the visible external part of the genitalia. Vaginoplasty aims to address issues related to both structures, providing a comprehensive solution for individuals seeking this type of surgical intervention.

Classification:

There are different types of vaginoplasty named :

Reconstructive Vaginoplasty: This type of vaginoplasty is performed to repair the vagina because of medical conditions such as congenital anomalies.
Gender-affirming Vaginoplasty (Transgender Vaginoplasty): This type of vaginoplasty is performed as gender affirmation for the transgender
Cosmetic Vaginoplasty: This type of vaginoplasty is performed for aesthetic reasons.
Non-binary vaginoplasty: This type of vaginoplasty is a variation of gender-affirming vaginoplasty that creates gender anatomy but does not clear male or female.

Following are the signs and symptoms of vaginoplasty:

Pain and Discomfort: It's quite normal to have pain, discomfort, or soreness in the surgical area, including the vagina, vulva, and surrounding tissues.
Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after surgery and may be present in the genital area and surrounding tissues. Elevating the legs and using cold packs can help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
Bleeding: There may be a chance of bleeding or spotting may occur after vaginoplasty surgery, especially during the immediate postoperative period. It's crucial to monitor the amount and color of bleeding and report any excessive or persistent bleeding to your healthcare provider.
Numbness or Tingling: Temporary numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the genital area may occur due to nerve disruption during surgery.
Difficulty Urinating: Some people may experience temporary difficulty urinating or having bowel movements after surgery, which can be attributed to swelling, anesthesia effects, or changes in pelvic floor muscles.

Before undergoing vaginoplasty following tests are conducted to assess the

Physical examination: A comprehensive medical examination is conducted to assess the overall health.
Medical History Review: Surgeons will review the individual's medical history, including any pre-existing medical conditions, previous surgeries, and current medications.
Hormonal Evaluation: For transgender individuals undergoing hormone therapy, hormonal levels may be assessed through blood tests to ensure hormone levels are within the desired range and to optimize the effects of hormone therapy on physical changes.
Laboratory Tests: Some Blood tests may be conducted to evaluate, to assess for any underlying medical conditions, and screen for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections.

The long-term success of vaginoplasty depends on how properly you follow the postoperative instructions. The surgeon would give you a vaginal dilatator once your bandages are removed. This device should be used for at least a year to maintain vaginal depth and girth.

Your surgeon will provide you with a dilation schedule. It involves inserting the dilator for about 10 minutes, three a per day for the first 3 months and one time per day for the next 3 months. You will do it 2-3 times per week for at least 1 year. The diameter of the dilator would also increase as the months pass by.

During recovery, you must not insert anything into the vaginal canal and should avoid sexual intercourse for about 6 weeks. Don’t submerge the vagina and you should avoid swimming, baths, and hot tubs. Tough exercise and activities like cycling, horseback riding, and motorcycle riding must be avoided during the recovery.