#ask zestual

[answersfromzestual]

what does a tdick like... actually look like? or how they behave post-testoterone and pre-surgery? I haven't really been able to find like anything educational about how they work- what the look like, how they differ from other genitalia during sex and/or arousal, any of that stuff. I'd really appreciate it if you could explain it?

Bottom Growth or T-Dick Info:

For educational purposes only

I will be calling a "T-dick" a "T-phallus" in this answer.

I highly suggest all read through my second source, it is very informative about growth, sensations, and also has some good general knowledge as well.

Clitoral hypertrophy: the clitoris growing in length and width while taking testosterone.

So a t-phallus very much looks like the head of a penis, the shape, the contours, it just doesn't have a hole for urination like a penis or a shaft especially when you are aroused. A t-phallus gets erect when you are aroused just like a penis. It is considered the pleasure organ.

During arousal (turned on), it actually swells up and fills with blood, becoming erect and more stiff (hard)

While your t-phallus gets bigger on testosterone many people describe their changes in their orgasms and pleasurable feeling. For example you may like a different kind of touch now because that feels more pleasurable. "Some people describe feeling a more erection-like sensation when aroused." - source 2

Typical bottom growth on testosterone therapy is typically 1 to 4 cm, sometimes even more, this growth varies. One small study¹ about bottom surgery reported the average length of bottom growth measured from 2.5 cm to 4 cm in the study participants who eventually underwent surgery. Another study² found that at the one year mark, the average growth was 4.6 cm.

During sexual intercourse with someone with female genitalia: will require you to use a dental dam as protection (dental dam information), this is just basically a sheet of latex or another kind of plastic (like male condoms), to prevent direct contact. You don't not just need to use one during oral sex but if you are rubbing your genitals together it may be a good idea. If you are sharing toys make sure to clean them thoroughly between using it on the opposite person. (Making sure sex toys are clean is always a good idea).

If you are having sexual intercourse with cis males/ male genitalia: you should be requiring that person to wear a condom, even if they are trans themselves, any bodily fluid contact can spread a STI. Or you can use female condoms.

Here are some articles on sexual health.

Sexual health article 1

Sexual health article 2

Below are example images of a t-phallus and growth:

Source²

Source²

- a more realistic view.

You can see that there is a tip that gets slightly thinner with the connective tissues. So you have a head of a penis to put it very generally and your 'shaft' is almost buried in the connective tissue/ hood (which I used to call my 'foreskin', it made me feel more comfortable.

Sources, Images, and Studies

Source 1

Source 2

Medical Study¹ -PDF

Medical Study²

Fun facts: We all are actually considered to have female genitalia in the womb until about the second trimester of pregnancy, then your body gets a flood of either estrogen (X) or testosterone (Y), which is what tells your body to form the genitals. This is actually interesting because it shows that the clitoris is actually a tiny penis in a way, since it actually does become a penis as a fetus develops. - I learned this in my child development class.

[answersfromzestual]

Hi there, I have some questions about phalloplasty not necessarily about the procédure but how you feel about it. In my mind I think a phalloplasty is just for gender affirmation and I wouldnt feel "normal" about it since its not like a normal cis guys dick. How do you feel about it and do you ever feel dysphoric about it. (having to use a pump to get erect, no biological children, ect)

Hello,

I feel very comfortable with my phallus (penis) to be honest. I confidently can walk around naked, I've been told by my urologist that my phallus was incredible. I even have veins and a head.

I don't mind the pump to be honest, it's become part of the foreplay between my partner and myself. I will admit first I was a bit, not dysphoric, more not confident in myself.

Children, personally I struggled with this the longest and just recently in the last few years came to terms with it. I have some hereditary illnesses that I don't want to pass down. That has been a major reason for how I've coped with this I will be honest. I am okay with it, I plan on actually starting a family in the next few years. But it was a source of heartache for a while I will admit. As a note I knew I was "in the wrong body" as a very small child. For many years I put my hopes into modern medicine to help have a biological child as many medicine doesn't have a working solution yet. (Just an FYI - if you are interested in biological children consider freezing some eggs prior to your oophorectomy -removing the ovaries-.)

I feel comfortable using the men's room in the context of using the facilities. I have used a trough (this in general is just an awful thing), urinals, I have gone outside.

I think people have not seen enough phalloplasty examples for a proper image in their heads. About what you said about it feeling "normal" in your opinion, I want to ask you a question. What about men that are sterile and impotent? He also needs help with erections (the pump is actually more popular than people think), and they are not able to have children. Is there any difference between that example and having phalloplasty? In your head, is that penis still "normal"? (Fertility rates are actually going down and are rather low on cis men) You are of course entitled to your opinion about it. But I'd like you to maybe give that question a thought, what still differs in your mind? Does it differ anymore? (You don't need to reply with the answer(s), just something to contemplate) People only see impotence as something cis men get after a certain age, but any cis male of any age can be or become impotent. When it comes to the pump, it was actually invented for cis men with erectile dysfunction.

In an adult context I feel confident and comfortable with my penis. I have complete "tactile function" in my penis, therefore i feel everything. I will admit it took a while to get my full sensation, as nerves take a long time to heal.

All in all, I am happy and comfortable with my penis, from the look of it, sensation, and overall function.

TLTR: I am super comfortable with my penis, and have no problems with looks to functionality. I came to terms with not having biological children.

Thank you for your question, I apologize it took me so long to answer it.

- Zestual

[answersfromzestual]

I've heard some people say that HRT/testosterone can cause like. a degenerative bone disease? I can't remember what it's called- something like osteoporosis I think- but I honestly have no idea if it's fear mongering or not and I've been really worried about it recently even though I really want to go on T eventually- is there any validity to those claims?

So according to my research and the several medical studies I read were women, men and transgender studies.

Blanket answer, not for young people.

So according to the studies I read cacausion and asian women post menopause (middle aged and elderly) have the highest rate of osteoporosis. This is because there are no more sex hormones being produced.

Cis men had a way lower rate of osteoporosis, and the disease had a small correlation to lower hormone levels (lower Testerone levels).

The transgender study was not very big, but it did conclude that taking Testerone itself will not cause osteoporosis, but continuing hormone treatment and staying in safe levels actually led to transmen on constant hormone therapy, post hysterectomy, having a similar rate of osteoporosis as cis men.

So, actually taking and continuing testosterone hormone therapy will not have a negative affect on bone density.

However, genetics and medications also can play a roles in developing osteoporosis, but this is for anyone cis or trans. So there is always a small exception. This is really the only valid part of these claims. If you are not predisposed to osteoporosis, taking testerone therapy will not harm your bone density, it actually may help you keep your bone density longer than not on hormones.

I hope I answered your question.

If not let me know,

Thank you for being patient,

-Zestual ✌🏽 🩷🩵

[answersfromzestual]

Anon who sent me the ask about their parents "demonizing" your transition.

Parents have your life planned out for you before you are born (it's not fair, but it's how they are). So when you want to transition genders, all their "plans", "hopes", "dreams", etc. are "destroyed" (ex. they thought you'd grow up, get married, have babies, etc.). This is all a shock and something they will just have to get used to if they want to be in your life. I imagine you still live with them, so tread lightly. I tried to explain to my parents they are losing a very unhappy daughter and gaining a happy son. It wasn't easy. It still isn't. My chest has been done for over 15 years and my father won't look at me with my shirt off. My mother is the worst for misgendering me to this day, doesn't talk when I speak about having children one day. It used to make me mad, I'd start by correcting her, now I just tune it out, grit my teeth and I have been out for about three decades. Parents have a hard time coping, they are far from perfect so they can mess up. They see you transitioning as an absolute loss, and that's not your fault. It will take time, and you never know how long it will actually take for them to embrace it.

I do have an article on here for parents and phalloplasty, from a legitimate resource. If they would be interested/ willing to read it.

Don't you dare let them blame you for "destroying" their marriage, if they say that they are using this as an excuse because they have a probably unhappy marriage. This started long before you even told them, so don't blame yourself. That is not a very nice thing to say as a parent. Well none of it really is, but... They are using you as a lightning rod and I'm sorry for that.

For the time being I'm glad you found some solace in my blog. Feel free to vent to me anytime.

I am really sorry. There is nothing wrong with you, you are not the reason they are miserable, okay? You are perfect just as you are and are worth so much love. You deserved to be loved inside and out.

Please do not put yourself in harm's way, or get yourself thrown out on the street.

Do you have anyone you can talk to about this, an adult, therapist, school counselor, a relative, even an older sibling? Anyone that can maybe have your back if anything happens. Maybe create a plan if something happens.

I imagine you are such an amazing individual, I can tell you are fighting a fight and you're not taking your goal out of your sight. You are brave and stronger than you think. You should be very proud.

My blog is here whenever you need to get some support, or vent.

I'm sending you love, and good vibes. I'm always here if you need me.

-Zestual

P.s I hope you know they are wrong about the procedures and everything else. It is safe and common.

If they have questions, you can send them to me and I can try to answer anything you cannot.

I'm proud of you

Stay Golden ✌🏽💙❤️

Article source:

https://www.phallo.net/

[answersfromzestual]

I was wondering about phalloplasty (with vaginectomy and scrotoplasty) but without UL. Does this cause urinary issues or an increase in UTI's? I am not sure if there is much information out there.

I ask because as much as I would like to get UL, I have had some issues with kidney stones and catheters in the past. I'm wondering for my overall well-being if it makes more sense for me to forego UL.

Any insight or research/info/articles would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

***Make sure you come home with antibiotics*** Definition of a catheter: A catheter is a tube that is inserted into your bladder, allowing

I was in the same boat as you were at one time. Now I actually have less UTIs and I have not had kindney stone issues since my Urethra lengthening procedure.

The sources you'd want are the two at the very bottom of the page

I have a birth defect which makes my kidneys not work properly, it's a rare disorder, I have been in the hospital for them more times than I'd like to...

I have been making sure I drink at least two cups of water a day.

I had to have my catheter removed shortly after two weeks (they wanted six), but two weeks is the minimum for healing period, and typically clinics now have you only keep them in for three weeks.

Having my catheter removed early was because 1. I tugged on the catheter and it became dislodged from its position, I started to urinate through my penis and around the catheter. This is not good, this is go to the ER right now. Most of the time the doctors there can make you comfortable with the catheter still in, they can usually flush and they can reposition. This can make things comfortable. I had a urine bag break and I did not have a replacement on me towards the end of a week and a half after coming home, this led to me having a bladder infection which was why I personally insisted they remove the catheter. They will call your surgeon and get details to make sure you are okay, or they are okay to remove your catheter. Lastly they did not give me any antibiotics for the trip home (clinic made an error).

I have less issues with my urinary tract than I did before my UL procedure.

feel free to check out the links at the bottom if you've already read my article on the urethra lengthening Procedure.

A great resource is GRS Montreal (link is at the bottom of the article I sent you). They are very transparent and informative about these procedures.

Thank you for the question. I hope I gave you what you needed, but feel free to ask more if I didn't give you what you needed.

Stay Golden ✌️ 💙 💜

-Zestual

[answersfromzestual]

Hey, I saw your post about Oocyte cryopreservation but what if you’re already on testosterone? Would it still be possible? What would happen if you needed to stop T? How long would you need to stop? It’s honestly my biggest concern

I apologize I did not answer that.

The process has really sped up a lot in recent days. You only need to be off T for about four months (before treatment cycle which is 15days on average). You would only need to stop until after you are done your procedure. Once your procedure is done, you can go back to normal as per doctors orders. I found a good article on this exact topic (the source link).

Being on T has been shown in studies to have little effect on egg quantity.

Thank you for your question. I'm sorry I did not include this in my article.

Source

[answersfromzestual]

My friend is trans (ftm) and I am trans (ftm), and he won't accept me? I told him about a month before I really decided to start transitioning that I feel like I can't be a girl, and that I'm probably transmasc, and he was pretty excited to have a trans friend like himself, but after I did a more official coming out to our friend group, he was the only one who did not support me, and was pretty angry at me. I asked him did something happened and why did he change his mind, and he told me that he can't see me as a guy, and that I don't deserve it and not worthy of calling myself a man. I understand that for other people it can be hard to start seing you differently, especially then they knew me as a girl for a lot of time, but I don't understand him and I'm hurt. He said that "he is grieving the "me" he knew" but that is such a weird statement. He also said that the reason I can't be a guy is because I am "too hysterical like a woman". I don't understand him, and I feel betrayed :( Why would he say something like that? Does he sees me as a rival now, or something like this??

Wow...

There is a lot to unpack here. First off, you are valid, you really have these feelings.

Secondly I'm terribly sorry about your friend going from supportive to spiteful, by the sounds of it.

If you don't mind can I ask if you have a more "masculine" quality than him? Are you taller, is your face more passable than his? Did your other friends respond to you coming out better?

This sounds like it's almost a jealousy issue and a lot of resentment.

There may be a little bit of "well I came out then a month later _____ comes out?!" Can be contributing to his feelings.

Does your friend tend to need attention more than you? Just in general. Are they louder? Do they always have to make things about themselves? If so, you could be "stealing his spotlight".

It seems this all stems from when you came out to your friends...

I have a thought about the mourning part of your ask. Don't put money on it, but I think they may have a crush on the "female" you used to be. I have a feeling they may have finally seen themselves as straight maybe and maybe their goal was to maybe ask you out, but now you are transitioning. The mourning and the almost telling you not to transition just kind of makes me think that. I apologize if this is out of line, it's just a hunch I have from the information you have given me. If this is not the case he is a jealous, hypocrite in my honest opinion.

You deserve respect, consideration, and love.

There are many layers to your friend's response, and it's more than likely not one particular thing, but a mix of many emotions and feelings.

This person does not determine your worth. I want you to know that this person doesn't seem like someone you should remain friends with. You can be civil with your friend group, but you don't need to be friends.

I am incredibly sorry this happened to you. This is actually an example of transphobia inside the trans community. It's really not acceptable.

If this person tries to say anything negative about your transition, ask them what their issue(s) are with it. Maybe you can talk about it out together and salvage the friendship.

If they won't answer you or refuse to explain their feelings, you can tell them that they do not run your life, they do not know what's in your head, they do not know how you feel. Tell them saying this is way out of line and extremely inappropriate things to say to someone you consider a friend.

I'm sorry I can't say much more...

I'm sure maybe someone here can add some of their thoughts and advice as well.

I hope that you find comfort and feel the love here.

Remember you need to make you happy, you are your number one priority. Unless he is going to start to pay for your treatments his words are just arrogant and really cruel.

You are loved, and seen here.

I am sorry I took so long to answer this, it was a very deep ask, with many layers to consider.

I hope maybe this can help you out.

With much love,

Zestual ❤️💙

[answersfromzestual]

"Thank you for responding so quickly! I was talking about the "Normal questions for phallo" post (https://www.tumblr.com/answersfromzestual/719375903926435840?source=share), specifically the sentence "You have your hysterectomy (which includes a complete oophorectomy as well)". It read like the oophorectomy is mandatory to me. "

I see what you mean, I apologize. Oophorectomy is optional. I will make that clearer. I was speaking for myself at the time just for a reference. I should have clarified that they now do NOT require an oophorectomy. I apologize for the confusion. I'm going to make the correction. I do appreciate you pointing it out to me. I wouldn't want people thinking THEY have to due to recent advancements (yay!!!) Thank you, follower!

Here is a booklet via GRS Montreal, it is a downloadable file link. It is what they give you before surgery.

Stay Golden ✌️💙🩷

P.s I like to hear you went to other sources, though, to make sure that you had the right information I love it!

But I am sorry I caused confusion 😕