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The Importance of Pelvic Health Following Gender Confirmation Surgery.

Gender affirmation surgery is a big step in one’s life. 

Medical providers spend a lot of time discussing surgery. Preparation for surgery. And surgical complications that may arise during the surgery. 

Rarely do medical doctors discuss obstacles that can arise after the surgery that may limit the healing process. 

Many of these obstacles are linked to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction as the muscles and tissues heal from surgery.  Transgender patients who have undergone gender confirmation surgery, require the services of a therapist specializing in pelvic health and orthopedic physical therapy. 

Analogous to physical rehabilitation therapy following orthopedic surgery, it is equally important to undergo pelvic physical therapy after gender confirmation surgery.

ISSUES THAT MAY ARISE AFTER GENDER AFFIRMATION SURGERY:

  • Pelvic pain

  • Urinary incontinence

  • Difficulty using/progressing dilators

  • Voiding dysfunction

  • Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse)

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections

  • Decreased sexual response

Pelvic physical therapy helps restore muscle and tissue integrity to enhance the recovery process.  

PELVIC HEALTH & ORTHOPEDIC PT AFTER THE SURGERY INCLUDES:

  • Dilation

  • Internal and external anorectal release

  • Internal and external vaginal release

  • Connective tissue manipulation

  • Lymph drainage

  • Scar tissue mobilization

  • Myofascial release and balance

  • Visceral manipulation

  • Trigger point release

  • Muscle timing

  • Strain counter strain/positional release 

  • Lumbar/pelvic/hip stabilization and control

  • Pelvic floor strengthening/lengthening/coordination

I cannot stress enough how important it is to undergo pelvic health and orthopedic physical therapy. 

Highly recommended in California:

Locate a pelvic health therapist near you visit: Women’s Health PT Locator

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