Recovering from surgery

Recovering from surgery

Recovery is a long process that follows a different course for everyone. While there are common stages of recovery, your body will heal in its own way. 

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Workbooks

Before your surgery, the Gender Surgery Program B.C. will provide you with a workbook called Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). This booklet will provide detailed information about what to expect before and after your surgery, and instructions on how to care for yourself when you go home.

  • ERAS for Metoidioplasty (Note: If you’re having erectile tissue release This procedure creates a penis by cutting the ligaments around the erectile tissue (clitoris), so the shaft falls away from the body, giving it a more pronounced appearance. , you can use the ERAS for Metoidioplasty A gender-affirming lower surgery to create a penis. Metoidioplasty involves cutting ligaments around the clitoris to add length to the shaft and grafting skin around the shaft to create more girth. Optional additional procedures include scrotoplasty and urethral lengthening. )
  • ERAS for Phalloplasty

Important

It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for aftercare. If there are any differences between the information on this website and the instructions your surgeon provides, you should follow the surgeon’s advice.

What to expect immediately after surgery

This section provides a general description so that you can imagine the experience of waking up from surgery. You’ll receive more detailed information from your surgical team. 

In general, you can expect the following: 

  • After surgery, you will be moved to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). You will feel quite drowsy when you wake up, which is normal. It is also normal if you feel sick to your stomach or throw up after surgery.
  • Members of your surgical and postoperative team will check on you frequently.
  • You may be given some breathing, leg, ankle and arm exercises to do throughout the day. You may feel emotional and very tired. These are normal responses to having a big surgery and if you follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions, your body will recuperate with time.
  • Medical equipment — You may have an oxygen mask, an IV line and calf compressors to prevent blood clots.
  • Penis An erogenous and erectile organ located between the legs that consists of spongy tissue that can fill up with blood and may become firmer with sexual arousal. It is also a means for urination. A person may be born with a penis or have one surgically created. When referring to genitals, the Trans Care BC website uses "erogenous tissue (penis)" for trans people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and "penis" for trans people assigned female at birth (AFAB), but there are many different terms that individuals may use. (released erectile tissue Tissue that is capable of stiffening or engorging with blood, which typically occurs during sexual arousal. ) — You may have bruising and swelling in the groin area (abdomen and thighs).
    • You will have small incisions on each side of the groin, where the ligaments have been cut.
    • The erectile tissue will be puffy and swollen. This swelling tends to go away in 2–4 weeks, but could take longer for some.
    • The tissue may feel tender and uncomfortable while it is healing.
    • If you did not have urethral lengthening A surgical procedure to extend the length of the urethra to allow for urination out of the tip of the penis. The procedure involves connecting a person's current urethra to the new urethra created in the shaft of the penis. , you will not have a catheter A thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the body to remove fluids from or introduce fluids into a specific area, like the bladder or bloodstream. These tubes are also used in some procedures to keep passages open. in place. You will be able to pee as you did before the procedure.
  • Urethral lengthening — If you had urethral lengthening, you may also have a catheter that starts in your bladder and comes out the tip of your penis to help keep your urethra open (urethral catheter). You may also have a catheter that starts in the bladder and comes out of your lower abdomen, near the pubic bone (supra pubic catheter A thin tube (catheter), inserted into the bladder through a small incision, that comes out of the lower abdomen (near the pubic bone) to drain urine. ).
    • Experiences of having a catheter can vary. For some people, the catheter may be very uncomfortable. It is important to speak with your surgical team if you have any challenges with your catheter.
    • While you have your catheter, it is very important to drink enough water to make your urine a pale yellow colour.
  • Scrotum construction (scrotoplasty A surgical procedure to create or reconstruct the scrotum, the pouch of skin that contains the testicles. ) — If you’ve had scrotoplasty, it is common to have bruising and swelling in the groin area (abdomen and thighs).
    • You will have several incisions on the scrotum, including along each side and at the midline. It is normal for there to be some dried blood and clearish fluid present at the incisions.
    • You may also have 1–2 drains Thin tubes placed in the body during surgery to remove excess fluid or blood. at the scrotum to help extra fluid leave your body.
  • Vagina An internal organ located between the legs. A person may be born with a vagina or have one surgically created. When referring to genitals, the Trans Care BC website uses "internal genitals (vagina)" for trans people assigned female at birth (AFAB), and "vagina" or "vagina with vaginoplasty" for trans people assigned male at birth (AMAB), but there are many different terms that individuals may use. removal (vaginectomy A surgical procedure that involves the removal of vaginal tissue and the closure of the genital opening (vaginal canal). ) — If you’ve had vaginectomy, you will have an incision at the site of your vaginectomy. These incisions may feel tight.
    • You may experience a sense of aching where the internal tissue was removed.
    • It is normal for there to be some dried blood and clearish fluid present at the incisions.
  • Medical equipment — You may have an oxygen mask, an IV line and calf compressors to prevent blood clots.
  • Bruising — It is normal to have bruising in the groin area (abdomen and thighs).
  • Penis An erogenous and erectile organ located between the legs that consists of spongy tissue that can fill up with blood and may become firmer with sexual arousal. It is also a means for urination. A person may be born with a penis or have one surgically created. When referring to genitals, the Trans Care BC website uses "erogenous tissue (penis)" for trans people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and "penis" for trans people assigned female at birth (AFAB), but there are many different terms that individuals may use. — Your penis will be swollen. It may be supported in a sling to reduce swelling. It will feel numb.
    • You will have incisions at the point where your penis connects to your body, and along the underside of the shaft. You will also have some incisions on your scrotum and at the vaginectomy A surgical procedure that involves the removal of vaginal tissue and the closure of the genital opening (vaginal canal). site.
    • You may have a drain in your groin to help fluid drain from your body.
    • There may be a small device called an “implanted doppler ultrasound” embedded into the skin of your penis to measure blood flow to the area.
  • Urethral lengthening A surgical procedure to extend the length of the urethra to allow for urination out of the tip of the penis. The procedure involves connecting a person's current urethra to the new urethra created in the shaft of the penis. — If you had urethral lengthening, you may also have a catheter A thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the body to remove fluids from or introduce fluids into a specific area, like the bladder or bloodstream. These tubes are also used in some procedures to keep passages open. that starts in your bladder and comes out the tip of your penis to help keep your urethra open (urethral catheter). You may also have a catheter that starts in the bladder and comes out of your lower abdomen, near the pubic bone (supra pubic catheter A thin tube (catheter), inserted into the bladder through a small incision, that comes out of the lower abdomen (near the pubic bone) to drain urine. ).
    • Experiences of having a catheter can vary. For some people, the catheter may be very uncomfortable. It is important to speak with your surgical team if you have any challenges with your catheter.
    • While you have your catheter, it is very important to drink enough water to make your urine a pale yellow colour.
  • Penile donor site The area of the body from which tissue is taken for use in a procedure (phalloplasty, for example). — Your penile donor site may have a special dressing called a vacuum assisted closure (VAC), which will be connected to a small, portable vacuum pump.
  • Skin graft A surgical procedure in which one section of healthy skin is removed from a part of the body and used in another location (or in the same location in the case of nipple grafts). donor site — This area can be quite sensitive or painful, as the nerve endings here are exposed to the air as you heal. It may have some drainage and be covered by a bandage.
  • Mobility — You will be on bed rest and nurses will help you with all your care needs.

What to expect while you heal

After surgery, you’ll likely be prescribed painkillers to make you comfortable and antibiotics to reduce the chance of infection.

As a normal part of the healing process, you should expect:

  • Bruising and swelling — It is common to have bruising and swelling. You may have this in more than one area and it can change throughout the day. Swelling should go down gradually and take up to six months to resolve. If your swelling seems to be worsening, speak with your surgical team as soon as possible.
  • Changes in sensation — It is quite common to experience changes in sensation in your groin area. Your penis An erogenous and erectile organ located between the legs that consists of spongy tissue that can fill up with blood and may become firmer with sexual arousal. It is also a means for urination. A person may be born with a penis or have one surgically created. When referring to genitals, the Trans Care BC website uses "erogenous tissue (penis)" for trans people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and "penis" for trans people assigned female at birth (AFAB), but there are many different terms that individuals may use. will likely be numb for several weeks or even months. It can take 6–12 months for your nerve endings to heal or grow back. As a result, you may be less sensitive to pressure, temperature, pain or sexual stimulation. You might even feel prickling, stinging or burning sensations as the nerves heal and grow. There can also be permanent changes to sensation in the penis, including areas of complete numbness as sensation may not extend through the length of the shaft.
  • Itchiness — It is also common to experience itchiness after surgery. It  can be caused by your swelling going down or an allergic reaction to the adhesive in your bandages. Try to avoid scratching the itchy area as scratching can break the skin and cause infection. If you’re also experiencing swelling and redness as well as itchiness, this can be a sign of infection. Ask your health care provider how to manage itchiness.
  • Incisions and scars — Your incision lines can become red or bumpy as they heal. You will have some drainage from the incision sites as well. Talk to your surgeon if you find that your incision line scars are starting to thicken.

When to get medical help

Pay close attention to the parts of your body affected by your surgery. Being aware of possible complications and knowing signs of infection are vitally important. 

In general, you should contact your surgeon (or go to the nearest hospital emergency room) if you experience any of the following:

  • Your pain gets worse or does not go away with pain medication.
  • You have a fever over 38.5° C (101.3° F).
  • Your incision becomes red, swollen or hot to touch.
  • Your penis becomes swollen and the skin on your penis blisters.
  • You notice foul smelling liquid coming from your incision.
  • You start bleeding from your incision.
  • Difficulties with swallowing resulting in a decreased appetite and constant weight loss.
  • You feel sick to your stomach (nauseated) or throw up (vomit) often for more than 24 hours.
  • You have diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 days.
  • No bowel function for 48 hours.
  • You are unable to pee or your catheter A thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the body to remove fluids from or introduce fluids into a specific area, like the bladder or bloodstream. These tubes are also used in some procedures to keep passages open. is not draining.
  • If you experience any pain, aching or redness in your calves or swelling of the legs.
  • You have difficulty breathing.

Tips to help recovery

Your recovery is affected by the type of surgery, your body’s reaction to the surgery and other factors. In general, many people are able to return to their regular activities, including work, within the timeframes below. Depending on the type of work and your healing, you may need longer.

  • Erectile tissue release This procedure creates a penis by cutting the ligaments around the erectile tissue (clitoris), so the shaft falls away from the body, giving it a more pronounced appearance. : 3–6 weeks
  • Metoidioplasty A gender-affirming lower surgery to create a penis. Metoidioplasty involves cutting ligaments around the clitoris to add length to the shaft and grafting skin around the shaft to create more girth. Optional additional procedures include scrotoplasty and urethral lengthening. : 6–8 weeks
  • Phalloplasty A gender-affirming lower surgery to create a penis and scrotal sac (phase 1) followed by testicular implants and implants to obtain rigidity/erection (phases 2 and 3). : 6 weeks – 6 months (depending on the complexity of the procedure and complications)

Your primary care provider A person’s main health care provider in non-emergency situations such as check-ups and referrals. Family doctors, general practitioners (GPs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are all primary care providers. and surgical team can help you to come up with a plan to return to work more gradually. As with all activities after surgery, it will be important to pace yourself and plan in extra time to rest and recover.

Remember, proper rest helps speed this process.

We’ve provided some general information regarding how to recover well from surgery, but it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions. 

Caring for your incisions

Your incisions and donor sites will require care. Your surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to do this. Wound care is something new for most people so don’t be shy to ask questions. Your surgical team wants to support you to feel comfortable and knowledgeable.

Take care of your catheter

If you had urethral lengthening A surgical procedure to extend the length of the urethra to allow for urination out of the tip of the penis. The procedure involves connecting a person's current urethra to the new urethra created in the shaft of the penis. , you will have a catheter A thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the body to remove fluids from or introduce fluids into a specific area, like the bladder or bloodstream. These tubes are also used in some procedures to keep passages open. in place to allow urine to drain from your bladder while your new urethra heals. Many people say that having a catheter in place for a prolonged period of time is one of the most challenging aspects of the overall experience. Here are some general tips that can make having a catheter a bit more comfortable:

  • Drink enough water to ensure your urine is clear and light yellow — 2–3 litres a day.  This will help to reduce bladder spasms and dilute your urine.
  • Avoid spicy, acidic or citrus foods
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Avoid caffeine
  • Follow any other advice from your surgical team

Manage pain

It is important to manage your pain well so that you can sleep through the night, slowly re-start your usual daily activities and follow the aftercare instructions from your surgeon.

  • Stick to a pain medication schedule. Don’t wait to take medication once the pain is overwhelming, as it will be harder to control. You can use the pain medication tracking chart in the Phalloplasty, Metoidioplasty, Erectile Tissue Release Workbook.
  • Avoid rubbing or scratching your incisions as they heal. Itchiness is a normal part of the healing process.

Wash hands frequently

Always wash your hands with soap before and after touching your genitals. This will help prevent infection.

Minimize the risk of infection 

Wear a high quality mask, ensure up-to-date influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations with boosters. You can also request COVID-19 testing and masking before visiting with others. Coughing after surgery can cause complications and infections can slow down postoperative healing. 

Get lots of rest

Many people share that they are surprised by how exhausted and weak they feel after lower surgery Umbrella term for gender-affirming surgeries done below the waist, including hysterectomy, erectile tissue release, metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, orchiectomy and vaginoplasty surgeries. Also called “bottom surgery”. . The procedures vary in complexity and it can take from 6 weeks up to a few months to recover.

Plan to do less activity during the day and allow yourself to nap. Your body needs extra sleep while you are healing. If you take the rest you need, your body will slowly build its energy and strength again. 

Relaxation techniques can help your body heal from surgery too. They reduce the effects of stress on your body, letting your body’s systems focus on healing. Sample relaxation techniques are provided in the Phalloplasty, Metoidioplasty, Erectile Tissue Release Workbook.

Walk

Walking helps to relieve pain, improve blood flow and prevent blood clots. It can also be good for your mood. However, it is important to be gentle and not push yourself. 

Your surgical team will provide you with instructions about when and how you can start walking. In general, you should begin with short walks and slowly increase how far you walk. Many people find that using a walker or a cane at first is helpful. 

If walking is not an option for you, speak with your health care providers about alternative options, like leg and deep breathing or coughing exercises. Sample breathing exercises are provided in the Phalloplasty, Metoidioplasty, Erectile Tissue Release Workbook.

Enjoy foods that promote wound healing

Your body will need extra calories, proteins and nutrients to heal so look for foods that contain:

  • Protein (meats, eggs and nuts)
  • Zinc (whole grains, spinach, nuts)
  • Vitamin A (carrots, broccoli, eggs)
  • Vitamin C (strawberries, peppers)

If you have questions, you may find it helpful to speak with a dietitian. You can contact a dietitian by calling 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC).

Drink lots of water

It is important to drink lots of water and empty your bladder regularly. This helps to prevent urinary tract infections. Your urine should be clear or pale yellow.

Manage constipation

Constipation is a common side-effect of pain medication. If you experience this, try increasing the number of walks you take, drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, eating prunes or taking a stool softener. Get protein from food sources other than dairy. 

If you had urethral lengthening and/or vaginectomy A surgical procedure that involves the removal of vaginal tissue and the closure of the genital opening (vaginal canal). , contact your surgical team or primary care provider if you become constipated. If you did not have urethral lengthening or vaginectomy and constipation continues for several days, speak to your health care provider.

Avoid alcohol, nicotine and other substances

Many substances, including alcohol and nicotine, disrupt the healing process. If you made a care plan to avoid substances like methamphetamines, cocaine or heroin, it is important to stick with that plan during surgical recovery. If you have any questions about this, speak with your surgical team.

Do nerve rehab exercises

If you've had phalloplasty and your goal is to have as much sensation in your penis An erogenous and erectile organ located between the legs that consists of spongy tissue that can fill up with blood and may become firmer with sexual arousal. It is also a means for urination. A person may be born with a penis or have one surgically created. When referring to genitals, the Trans Care BC website uses "erogenous tissue (penis)" for trans people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and "penis" for trans people assigned female at birth (AFAB), but there are many different terms that individuals may use. as possible, nerve rehab is an important part of your recovery. Also called neurosensory re-education, nerve rehab is a set of exercises that can help improve sensation in your penis after phalloplasty surgery. This Nerve Rehab Guide from Oregon Health & Science University provides exercises appropriate for each stage of recovery. If you have any questions about this, speak with your surgical team.

Attend your check-ups

You will be given your postoperative follow-up plan before you go home. 

If you had phalloplasty and  you traveled to Vancouver, you will be expected to stay in the Lower Mainland for 6 weeks after discharge so you can attend in-person follow up appointments with your surgical team. All your follow-up care will be completed by the surgical team at GSPBC.

If you had metoidioplasty and you traveled to Vancouver, you will be expected to stay in the Lower Mainland for 1 week after discharge so you can attend in-person follow up appointments with your surgical team. All your follow-up care will be completed by the surgical team at GSPBC.

You may want to arrange to see your primary care provider within a week of going home as well. They will review your postoperative baseline and see how you’re feeling.

Mindfully return to activities

Your surgeon will give you instructions for when and how you can resume your usual activities. These instructions will help keep your incisions and surgical site safe while it is going through the different stages of healing. 

The instructions may differ based on the surgery. For example, if you had phalloplasty A gender-affirming lower surgery to create a penis and scrotal sac (phase 1) followed by testicular implants and implants to obtain rigidity/erection (phases 2 and 3). or vaginectomy A surgical procedure that involves the removal of vaginal tissue and the closure of the genital opening (vaginal canal). , you may need more time to heal before you can return to your usual activities. 

We’ve provided some general information on returning to activity below, but it does not replace the information you receive from your surgeon. If there are any differences, you should follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Resting

Resting is very important during this time. Avoid activities that can lead to elevated blood pressure and the risk of internal bleeding (hematoma). This includes having any kind of sex (alone or with a partner), having an orgasm, running, biking, driving or walking a dog.

Limits on activities

Your surgical team may give you specific activities to avoid to make sure that you do not accidentally put too much pressure on your surgical site (these are called activity or mobility restrictions). This will include limits on how much you can lift, how you move your arms and legs and how you use your core muscles.

Walking

Your surgeon may recommend that you take a short, gentle walk each day, making sure not to tire yourself out. You will feel tired during this time frame and it is important to follow the advice of your surgical team.
 

Limits on activities

While your energy may start to return, you will still need lots of rest during this time. It is important to keep in mind that you will need to rest a lot between activities, no matter how short or gentle the activity. 

You will still have many mobility and activity restrictions to follow, including limits on how much you can lift, how you move your arms and legs and how you use your core muscles. This includes not lifting children, pets or groceries (since they may be over the safe weight limit); not pushing heavy doors, strollers or shopping carts; and not having pets pull on a leash or toy. 

Driving

Depending on the advice from your surgeon, you may be driving again by this point. It is important to avoid driving until you are no longer taking any opiate pain medication or feeling distracted by pain. Only drive if you are able to put pressure on the brake quickly and without pain, safely do a shoulder check and wear your seat belt. Start with short trips so as not to put too much pressure on your genitals. If you drive long distances, take frequent stops and pee often.

Return to work

If you had a procedure like erectile tissue release This procedure creates a penis by cutting the ligaments around the erectile tissue (clitoris), so the shaft falls away from the body, giving it a more pronounced appearance. without urethral lengthening A surgical procedure to extend the length of the urethra to allow for urination out of the tip of the penis. The procedure involves connecting a person's current urethra to the new urethra created in the shaft of the penis. , you may be ready to return to work between 3–6 weeks after surgery. Your primary care provider A person’s main health care provider in non-emergency situations such as check-ups and referrals. Family doctors, general practitioners (GPs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are all primary care providers. and surgical team can help you to come up with a plan to return to work more gradually. As with all activities after surgery, it will be important to pace yourself and plan in extra time to rest and recover.

As you continue to heal, you may feel better and more energetic. It can be tempting to want to return to your usual activities, but it is still important to take it slow and follow the advice of your surgeon.

Limits on activities

You will still have many mobility and activity restrictions to follow, including limits on how much you can lift, how you move your arms and legs and how you use your core muscles. This includes not lifting children, pets or groceries (since they may be over the safe weight limit); not pushing heavy doors, strollers or shopping carts; and not having pets pull on a leash or toy. Your surgeon may say that you can slowly return to these activities at the end of 6 weeks. 

Limits on activities

A general rule is to wait until 6–8 weeks after your surgery before participating in intense physical activity. Some people may slowly begin to return to work or exercise around this time. Speak with your surgeon about how you can restart any activity, including work and exercise. They will give you tips about how to pace yourself and slowly increase your activity levels. 

You may still have some mobility and activity restrictions to follow, including doing any activities that strain your abdominal muscles. 

Keep in mind that your genitals will still be numb at this time and your incisions are still vulnerable — this can make it hard to know if you are pushing your body too hard. It is important to follow all the postoperative instructions and be very gentle with your penis An erogenous and erectile organ located between the legs that consists of spongy tissue that can fill up with blood and may become firmer with sexual arousal. It is also a means for urination. A person may be born with a penis or have one surgically created. When referring to genitals, the Trans Care BC website uses "erogenous tissue (penis)" for trans people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and "penis" for trans people assigned female at birth (AFAB), but there are many different terms that individuals may use. .

Return to work

If you had a procedure like metoidioplasty A gender-affirming lower surgery to create a penis. Metoidioplasty involves cutting ligaments around the clitoris to add length to the shaft and grafting skin around the shaft to create more girth. Optional additional procedures include scrotoplasty and urethral lengthening. with urethral lengthening A surgical procedure to extend the length of the urethra to allow for urination out of the tip of the penis. The procedure involves connecting a person's current urethra to the new urethra created in the shaft of the penis. or phalloplasty A gender-affirming lower surgery to create a penis and scrotal sac (phase 1) followed by testicular implants and implants to obtain rigidity/erection (phases 2 and 3). , you may be ready to return to work between 6–8 weeks after surgery. Your primary care provider A person’s main health care provider in non-emergency situations such as check-ups and referrals. Family doctors, general practitioners (GPs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are all primary care providers. and surgical team can help you to come up with a plan to return to work more gradually. As with all activities after surgery, it will be important to pace yourself and plan in extra time to rest and recover.

Return to sexual activity

If you have had metoidioplasty A gender-affirming lower surgery to create a penis. Metoidioplasty involves cutting ligaments around the clitoris to add length to the shaft and grafting skin around the shaft to create more girth. Optional additional procedures include scrotoplasty and urethral lengthening. or erectile tissue release This procedure creates a penis by cutting the ligaments around the erectile tissue (clitoris), so the shaft falls away from the body, giving it a more pronounced appearance. surgery, your surgeons may give you customized information about when it is safe to start using a pump for getting erections.

Lots of people have questions about returning to sexual activity after penis construction An umbrella term for gender-affirming genital surgeries that create a penis, including erectile tissue release, metoidioplasty and phalloplasty. , and your surgeons will be comfortable answering these questions. This includes activities like masturbation and sex with other people. First and foremost, follow your surgeons’ recommendations.

As you heal, you may find your interest in sex is different from before surgery. It might be lower during your healing period or you might find it’s higher. It’s important to remember that everyone is different. Changes to your sexual response are a normal part of your healing journey and will balance out over time.

Exploring how your body feels and responds after surgery is an important step in your healing process. It stimulates the nerve endings, helping them heal and reconnect and allows you to explore how you enjoy being touched. It also helps your brain to create a new map of your body. We’ve provided some general guidelines below so you know what to expect, but it does not replace the information you receive from your surgeon. If there are any differences, you should follow your surgeon’s instructions.

  • Ease back into your sexual activities gradually. Take time to learn your body’s needs and preferences.
  • Do not place anything inside your genitals or rectum other than what has been recommended by your surgeon(s).
  • You may find that your endurance or tolerance for different activities and sensations is affected by your surgery or pain medications.
  • Stop or take a break if you feel pain, anxiety or fear.
  • Pay attention to whether your swelling or tenderness increases after sex. If so, you may want to wait before having sex again.
  • Pee before and after sexual activity to reduce the chances of urinary tract infections.
  • It is important to speak with your surgeons before starting any kink activities in the months after surgery. Your surgeon will likely welcome these questions. You can start by saying, “Could I ask you a question about whether or not my body has healed enough to participate in a particular kinky activity?” If relevant, be sure to ask about activities that can lead to internal or external bleeding, compromised blood flow and injury to nerves and healing tissues. This includes:
    • Activities that could affect (stretch or tear) incisions (inner or outer) until your surgeon confirms that your incisions have healed
    • Sudden or vigorous movements
    • Lifting more than 10–15 pounds
    • Strenuous activity (including sex)
    • Bondage, suspension, pinching, squeezing, vigorous massage, flogging, spanking and paddling buttocks, thighs and other non-genital areas
    • Very hot and very cold temperatures until nerves have fully healed

Dealing with post surgery depression

Many people experience a wide range of emotions following surgery. Medications, limitations on activity and your healing body can contribute to postoperative depression. This can include feelings of low mood, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating and even self-doubt. This is a temporary and normal part of the healing period. 

Here are some suggestions for making it easier.

  • Put your self-care plan into action.
  • Make lists of things you enjoy and reflect on how you can experience these sources of joy. Examples of these include:
    • Eating foods you love
    • Surrounding yourself calming smells and inspiring sounds
    • Keeping a journal
    • Writing letters of thanks to those who have helped you
  • Speak with a family member, friend, counsellor or other health care professional about the feelings you are having.
     
Download the surgery workbook

This workbook contains worksheets, exercises and checklists related to penis construction

Download workbook
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