Sex after vaginoplasty

The IM GENDER team recommends waiting a minimum of three months before engaging in sexual activity. This timeline, along with consistent vaginal dilation and adherence to the postoperative protocol, ensures the area is adequately prepared for penetrative sex.

It’s important to remember that tissue needs time to heal after vaginoplasty. Resuming sexual activity too soon may lead to complications such as tears or infections. Following medical advice and not rushing the process is vital.

Dr. Trinidad Labanca, director of the Gender Unit at IM GENDER, shares three essential tips for a fulfilling sex life after having any of the different types of vaginoplasty done:

1. Follow the postoperative protocol: Adhering to the recovery protocol is essential for proper healing.
2. Respect your individual timeline: Every person is unique. Once fully recovered, the decision about when, how, and with whom to engage in sexual activity lies with the individual.
3. Self-Exploration: It’s important to explore and get to know your new anatomy, discovering new erogenous zones.

The first sexual experience after vaginoplasty might feel different than expected. External factors, such as being in a comfortable environment, being with the right person, and experiencing sufficient desire and arousal, also play a role.

One of the most critical aspects of postoperative care is the use of vaginal dilators. Vaginal dilations are essential to maintaining the depth and width of the neovagina, as the body naturally tends to heal and narrow the space without this procedure. Additionally, dilations act as a form of “training” for the vaginal and surrounding muscles, preparing them for natural penetration.

The dilation process usually begins shortly after surgery, typically within the first two weeks. Vaginal dilators of increasing sizes are gradually introduced to maintain the neovagina’s openness and flexibility.

At IM GENDER, a specialized physiotherapist will guide you through the process, and the medical team will provide detailed instructions on how and when to perform dilations. Strict adherence to these guidelines is crucial.

Initially, dilations are performed daily, with the frequency decreasing over time as advised by your doctor. Discipline and patience in this practice are key to ensuring the long-term functionality of the neovagina and achieving good sexual quality.

In this video, Dr. Labanca explains how dilations are carried out.

Many trans women find that their ability to enjoy sex increases over time as their body adjusts and they grow more comfortable with their new anatomy.

One of the primary goals of vaginoplasty is to preserve erogenous sensitivity.
“During vaginoplasty, we retain all the nerves connected to the glans and prepuce. These structures are used to create the clitoris and labia minora,” explains Dr. Labanca. This preserves genital sexual pleasure and allows for orgasm. “In many cases, it even enables multiple orgasms,” she adds.

However, experiencing orgasm after vaginoplasty depends not only on the surgery itself but also on external factors such as desire, arousal, being with the right person, and emotional well-being.

Furthermore, the results of vaginoplasty often help many women feel a stronger connection with their bodies, which can boost self-esteem and emotional well-being, contributing to a fulfilling sex life.

Vaginoplasty can be a significant change, and sharing your feelings with your partner can strengthen the relationship, making both partners feel more comfortable and enhancing sexual experiences.

It’s vital for your partner to understand your needs. Not all trans individuals feel ready for sexual activity immediately, and that’s okay. Patience and support from your partner play a key role in this process.