Sam U. March 16, 2024 "Further Research Conducted for my Online Exhibition"

With the differences in male and female anatomy, there have been developments of specific surgical procedures to give the trans community the medical help they seek. I have gone over the different aspects of top surgery for both trans men and trans women. Many are happy with just having the top surgery, with not many opting in for bottom surgery as their health insurance might not cover it, they might not have the sufficient funds to pay for it, or it’s too much of a health risk. Regardless, there are still those who choose to do it and the procedures for each corresponding sex is significantly different.

For trans men, most want to replicate having the genitalia of that of a cis man, which include the penis and testicles. Some may opt out on getting the testicles as they are only for euphoric purposes and don’t have an actual function. Regardless, there are many ways to reconstruct the male genitalia. One way is through phalloplasty where the doctor will take a large skin graft from the patient's leg, arm, or stomach, to then mold into the shape of a penis and/or testicles. They will then insert a graft in which urine can still be excreted until the area has been fully healed. Afterwards, the patient will be able to pee through the penis and regain nerve sensations, but won’t be able to ejaculate or become erect. Through another surgery where the doctor inserts another implant only then can the patient gain the ability to become erect enough for penetrative sex. 

Another type of bottom surgery for trans men is called metoidioplasty where the clitoris is increased in size without the usage of excess tissue. When a trans man is on hormones, the clitoris grows in size, since it is essentially the initial development of a penis for a cis male without all the necessary functions. The doctor will cut the clitors’ attachment to the body and extend it outwards. They will then use some tissue from the patient's mouth to build a graft in the clitoris to allow for the excretion of urine. The patient can also choose whether or not they want to close up the vagina, which isn't necessary, but penetrative sex won’t be possible after the procedure. They can also choose whether or not they want to recreate the testicles, which will be used from the flaps and loose skin left from the vagina after the procedure. They can also have the option to completely remove the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and cervix. Afterwards, the patient will be able to pee through their penis and regain complete nerve function while also being able to get erect naturally.

As for trans women, there is relatively only one form of surgery in order to reconstruct their preferred genitals, unlike the two for trans men. This surgery is called a vaginoplasty. The doctor will completely remove the penis (minus the head) and testicles. Using the excess tissue around the groin region they will make an incision into the pelvis to recreate a vaginal cavity and construct the vagina, clitoris, and labia. The urethra is simply shortened and the patient will be able to pee throughout it. They will also be allowed to have penetrative sex and regain nerve functions after some time, but not be able to menstruate or have kids.