Vaginectomy for Gender Confirmation
A vaginectomy for transgender or non-binary individuals is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the vagina including the vaginal canal, labia and clitoris. The vaginectomy is one of several bottom surgery procedures sought by transgender men seeking to replace female genitalia with male-presenting genitalia. For transgender men, the vaginectomy is typically performed along with urethral lengthening and a phalloplasty or metoidioplasty procedure. Non-binary or nullo individuals may desire a vaginectomy followed by urethral repositioning with no additional procedures to create a phallus. The result is a smooth transition from the abdomen to the groin.
Vaginectomy Surgery
In a vaginectomy procedure, surgeons remove the vaginal walls, labia and clitoris and the vaginal opening is sutured shut, creating a smooth perineum. Because there is no longer a path for menstrual discharge, it is necessary for patients to first have a hysterectomy to remove the uterus. Additionally, patients will need to undergo urethral repositioning and/or lengthening depending on their desired final result. The surgery takes approximately three hours and recovery times vary greatly but can be up to 4 weeks or more.
Transmasculine Vaginectomy
A vaginectomy is often performed but is not required for Transmasculine bottom surgery. It is an optional procedure that can be combined with metoidioplasty or phalloplasty and your surgeon will discuss the options and considerations when reviewing your case. For example, some transgender men and non-binary individuals undergoing phalloplasty may choose to keep their vagina and this is entirely possible.
Learn More About Vaginectomy Surgery
Surgeons at the Crane Center are experts at performing vaginectomy procedures for transgender individuals. Depending on your goals, a vaginectomy procedure may be an option for you to consider. Contact us to set up a consultation.