Metoidioplasty, sometimes referred to as a meto or meta, is an alternative to phalloplasty for trans men. After time with the effects of testosterone treatment, the clitoris, enlarges over time to an average of 4-5 cm. In a metoidioplasty the enlarged clitoris is released from its position and moved forward to more closely approximate the position of a normal penis. In some cases the urethra is lengthened to end at the tip of the neophallus. The clitoris and penis are developmentally homologous organs.
The labia majora (see vulva) can be united to form a scrotum, where prosthetic testicles (usually made of silicone) can be inserted.
This procedure is technically simpler than a phalloplasty, and has fewer complications. Surgery itself is also considerably shorter (1-2 hours vs. 8-10 hours) and it is much less expensive (perhaps US$15,000 instead of US$85,000). Unlike a phalloplasty, an erectile prosthesis is usually not needed to achieve erection. The clitoris contains erectile tissue which responds to sexual arousal. In most cisgender females, the clitoris is too small for the person to detect this erectile change. In Transmen and other female-bodied people whose clitoris is larger, this may be more visually apparent as it is in cisgender men.
If a metoidioplasty if performed without a urethral lengthening or scrotoplasty (formation of a scrotum from the labia majora), this is sometimes called a clitoral release. This is less expensive than a complete metoidioplasty but does not allow for urination (through the new penis) while standing. However this also offers surgery with less risk because the urinary system remains unaltered without a urethral extension and still affords some of the visual effects of a complete metoidioplasty.
Discussion groups
- Dr. Bowers Support (Yahoo Group) – for prospective, present, and past patients of Dr. Marci Bowers
- Dr. Meltzer Support (Yahoo Group) – for prospective, present, and past patients of Dr. Toby Meltzer
- Dr. Raphael Centurion Surgery Support (Yahoo Group) – for prospective, present, and past patients of Dr. Peter Raphael, focusing on the Centurion enhanced metoidioplasty procedure
- FTM Metoidioplasty (Yahoo Group) – Peer to peer surgery discussion group on FTM metoidioplasty procedures
- FTM Surgery Info (Yahoo Group) – For photos and personal experiences of various FTM surgeries
- FTM Surgery Support (Yahoo Group) – Companion group to the FTM Surgery Info group offering open discussion of emotional, physical, psychological and financial issues
- Lower Surgery (LiveJournal) – LJ community for transsexual men to discuss medical, financial, physical, and psychological aspects of reconstructive genital surgeries
- POC Transition (Google Group) – Discussion group for FTMs of color, including surgery procedures and outcomes
- The Deciding Line (Yahoo Group) – Support and discussion group for all FTM lower surgeries
External links
- FemaletoMale.org | Metoidioplasty – Information about metoidioplasty, browse surgery before and after pictures or find a surgeon (New 2012)
- A Guide to Lower Surgery for Trans Men (PDF) – By GIRES, provides info about the various options for FTM lower surgeries. UK-focused, but much of the content is universal.
- Care of the Patient Undergoing Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) (PDF) – By Cameron Bowman MD and Joshua Goldberg. British Columbia focused, but much of the content is universal.
- Jim Collins Foundation – An organization that gives surgical scholarships to those who need assistance with surgery
- Information for F to M Transsexuals: Removal of the Uterus and the Ovaries (PDF) by Kate O’Hanlan, MD
- Medical Therapy & Health Maintenance For Transgender Men: A Guide for Healthcare Providers – by Nick Gorton MD, Jamie Buth MD, and Dean Spade Esq. Excellent resource. US-focused, but much of the content is universal.
- Metoidioplasty: a variant of phalloplasty in female transsexuals by S.V. Perovic and M.L. Djordjevic – BJU International – Volume 92 Issue 9 Page 981 – December 2003
- More on Metoidioplasty – At Dr. Brownstein’s site
- TransBucket – Database of surgery results (MTF and FTM) with photos and reviews of various surgeons
- Video: “Moving Past the Phallo/Meta Split” (Youtube) – Part 1, Part 2 – Discusses some of the common ground and diversity between phalloplasty and metoidioplasty procedures, and how sharing stories between people who are getting or have gotten either surgery could benefit everyone interested in FTM lower surgery. Also provides a list of many considerations often discussed while researching surgery.
See also
- Sexual reassignment surgery female-to-male
- List of transgender-related topics
References
- Perovic S, and Djordjevic M. “Metoidioplasty: a variant of phalloplasty in female transsexuals” BJU International. 92(9):981-985. 2003
- Meyer W, et al. “Physical and hormonal evaluation of transsexual patients: a longitudinal study.” Arch Sex Behav. 15(2):121-138. 1986
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