Vaginoplasty is a procedure to construct or repair a vagina. It treats various medical issues, including vaginal injury due to childbirth and pelvic floor disease complications. It’s also for creating a transgender vagina, which helps individuals achieve their preferred gender identity.

Who needs vaginoplasty?

• Individuals seeking repair of childbirth defects or trauma to improve sexual function.
• Women who need vaginal reconstruction after undergoing radiation or excision of the vagina to treat cancer or other conditions.
• Transgender individuals undergoing gender affirmation surgery.
• Women born with congenital abnormalities (issues present from birth) affecting the development of the vagina.
• What happens during vaginoplasty performed for women with childbirth injuries?
• When vaginoplasty is done to repair injuries after childbirth, the procedure involves:
• Removing extra skin.
• Using stitches to secure loose tissue in part or the full depth of your vagina.
• Reducing the opening size of the vagina.
• Vaginoplasty to repair congenital defects (an issue you’re born with) may include:
• Creating a functional vagina.
• Removing excess tissue or abnormal structures.
• Preventing blood from pooling during menstruation.

What happens during vaginoplasty as part of gender affirmation surgery?

During a vaginoplasty as part of gender affirmation surgery, the male external genitalia are partially removed and reconfigured. The skin of the penis and scrotum are used to create a vaginal canal and labia.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

What happens before vaginoplasty?

You undergo assessments and testing to prepare for surgery. These tests may include:

Physical exam to assess your health and learn more about your medical history.

Patient education about risks, benefits and postsurgical care requirements.

Recommendations that lower your risk of complications, including quitting smoking.

For transgender women undergoing vaginoplasty for gender affirmation, specific pre-operative requirements exist including genital hair removal and the need to meet the requirements set by the World

Professional Association for Transgender Health.

RISKS / BENEFITS

What are the risks and benefits of vaginoplasty for vaginal reconstruction after childbirth?

• Risks after vaginoplasty for childbirth injuries can include:
• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse).
• Numbness or loss of sensation.
• Benefits after surgery can include:
• Improved sexual satisfaction and self-esteem.
• What are the risks and benefits of vaginoplasty for gender affirmation?
• One of the main benefits is relief from gender dysphoria. After surgery, individuals achieve better consistency with the gender they identify with. This has enormous benefits on people’s mental health and improves their quality of life.
• Risks of vaginoplasty for gender affirmation can include:
• Vaginal stenosis.
• Inadequate depth of the vagina.
• Vesicovaginal fistula (an abnormal connection between the vagina and the urinary tract ) or rectovaginal fistula (an abnormal connection between the vagina and rectum).
• Nerve injury.
• Poor cosmetic result.

RECOVERY AND OUTLOOK

What is recovery like after vaginoplasty?

Recovery may last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the extent of surgery. Postsurgical care after vaginoplasty depends on the type of vaginoplasty performed.