The FTM Blog

This blog is for FTMs and their allies, the curious, and folks seeking advice from by knowledgeable, active FTMs in the community. Please note that on occasion, we display post-surgery photos and results of extended testosterone use that are graphic and Not Safe For Work (NSFW) and are tagged as such. For a similar blog tailored to trans*-feminine folks and allies, check out tuckingandotherskills. Submissions are allowed for any trans* related news or website, we ask that no self-promotion or fundraisers be posted. If you have any questions or need any advice, hit us up in the ask box. Also, check out some useful resources.

[theftm]

Has anyone used bulge pouch underwear (typically popular among gay boys) for packing? One dude told me it worked well for him. Any recommended types or brands?

Bulge pouch underwear is great for packing! Just make sure whatever you choose is snug enough to hold your packer against you, without being too small. If its too small, then your packer wont fit! 

Also, this is not recommended for packers over 5″ as they tend not to fit in these pouches. 

[atypical-dino]

Hysterectomy, Testosterone & Vaginal Atrophy Cautions

Okay so coming from my own experience, if you’re thinking about getting a hysterectomy or know you’re going to want one as part of your transition, I heavily advise getting it done the earlier the better in your medical transition process. Obviously I advise thinking long and hard about it and making sure it’s the right thing for you. But yes, if you can even get it done before starting testosterone that would be the most ideal, in my opinion.

Why is that? Well, testosterone causes this lovely thing called vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy is when the inner linings of the vagina shrink and dry out, loose a lot of lubrication and get fragile and prone to bleeding. Basically testosterone shuts down your on-board reproductive system so it’s like “yeah bro I’m gonna just… shed all this extra weight because whatever you don’t need it” in medical terms, you know? 

As far as I know, vaginal atrophy isn’t a sudden onset as soon as you start testosterone. Like pretty much everything with medical transitioning, there’s a timeline for it.  Vaginal atrophy starts around 3-6 months on T, and it takes about 1-2 years for its maximum onset. At the time of my hysterectomy, I was on testosterone for over 4 years. 

–

A few more things about my own vagina (things that are unique to me and may or may not be shared by others.) My vaginal opening is about the size of my pinky finger. My gynecologist says it’s a combination of what I was born with and how I’ve never had any penetration. During surgery they had to use a device to expand that opening so they could get everything out, because the surgery was done laparoscopically, which means they used a camera and everything was taken out though my vagina. That device caused lacerations and a bunch of bleeding both internally (due to the atrophy/dryness) and externally. The resulting bleeding was more than they expected and I was kept in the hospital overnight to keep tabs on it. So basically, that’s why I suggest the earlier the better. Or stopping testosterone for a bit/taking estrogen and gaining the lubrication and lining back. (I haven’t suggested that to my doc yet so I don’t know if that is feasible.) Anyways, explore your options if you know you’ve been on T for a while with resulting vaginal atrophy and plan on a laparoscopic hysterectomy. 

-

Okay, so that’s my own unqualified advice from personal experience. Because I’m not a doctor person. As I always advise, if you’re thinking about getting a hysterectomy, talk to your doctor. Figure out your options. Don’t let me scare you away, I’m just sharing this so peeps can be more aware of how to prepare themselves and what to expect.

[atypical-dino]

Awesome guide put out by Vancouver Coastal Health about the ins and outs of hormone replacement therapy for FTMs.

While there are some health risks involved with hormone therapy, it can have positive and important effects on trans people’s quality of life. Knowing what you can expect will help you work with your health care providers to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks.

The purpose of this booklet is to: • explain how hormones work • describe the changes to expect from testosterone • outline possible risks and side effects of testosterone • give you information about how to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks This booklet is written specifically for people in the FTM spectrum who are considering taking testosterone. It may also be a helpful resource for partners, family, and friends who are wondering how testosterone works and what it does. 

Highlights/Topics it covers:

“How Hormones Work”

“What Medications Are Involved in FTM Hormone Therapy?”

“Forms of testosterone commonly used by FTMs”

“What Changes Can I Expect, and How Soon? (Benefits/Timeline)”

“Are These Changes Permanent?”

“What Won’t Change?"  - ”won’t solve all body image problems" - “won’t make you into somebody else” - “won’t provide you with the perfect community” - “won’t remove all “female”/“feminine” aspects of your body”

What are the Possible Side Effects/Risks of Testosterone?

Health Checkups While You’re Taking Testosterone

Maximizing the Benefits, Minimizing the Risks

Be Informed

Understanding how testosterone works, what to expect, possible side effects/risks, and guidelines for care gives you the tools to be in charge of your health and to make informed decisions. Do your own research and ask questions. 

[inactivelesmistrash]

[whispers] are you going to have

…

…..

…

the surgery

[packerlocker]

Within 3 days we received enough submissions to put together the first issue which is planned to ship on December 1st. WOOHOO

T Chronicles is a monthly printed and digital (coming soon) newspaper created by and for the transgender community. Most of the content in our newspaper is user submitted. T Chronicles is open to content from FTM,MTF,Agender, Bigender, GenderQueer, and all other types of people who identify with the term  "Transgender".

T Chronicles is shipped out on the 1st of every month. Subscriptions are accepted until the 15th of every month.

Whats in the December issue? 

#RealLiveTransAdult

Spotlight: Tyler Coley ( @christian-tyl3r )

DIY Gaff Tutorial

Questions to ask before top surgery

Boy Meets Girl- Overview

MORE MORE MORE

Would you like to get it on the 1st and only Trans Newspaper with mostly user submitted content? 

SUBSCRIBE ($2.50+Shipping = $5/mo)

Interested in seeing your content show up in T Chronicles? Submit your stories, art, advice, or whatever else you can thing of to 

[email protected] 

Or use our submissions form. 

If we don’t use your content this issue, we will use it in a future issue. The more content we receive, the bigger we can make each issue. 

[packerlocker]

Only 8 more days to sign up and receive the very first issue of T Chronicles! We are even throwing in a surprise extra for the first 50 Subscribers! 

[theftm]

Whether you want to read or be read, this is a really cool idea! Share with your brothers and sisters! Id love to see more of this.

[atypical-dino]

Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare Gender Reassignment Services for Fully-Insured Transgender Subscribers and Dependents

EFFECTIVE APRIL 9th 2015

Please note that all covered services require letters from appropriate doctors. Parts of some services may not be covered. - ex. Sometimes a double mastectomy will require a small amount of liposuction, which is not covered. In my case, my top surgery would have cost $9500 out of pocket but I ended up paying only $2200 after we received our reimbursement.  Further questions can be referred to Member Services, at 1-888-333-4742. Harvard Pilgrim also has a contact person in charge of transgender care and authorizations, which they will refer to you. 

[huffpostgraphics-blog]

Though Jenner’s coming out marks a huge moment for trans visibility in the mainstream media, daily discrimination and violence is still the norm for thousands of transgender Americans. The rate of violence against transgender women, especially transgender women of color, is alarming – according to a 2013 report by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, an organization working to reduce violence against LGBTQ people, 72 percent of victims of anti-LGBTQ homicide were transgender women, and 89 percent of victims were people of color. According to the same report, transgender people were also more likely to experience violence at the hands of law enforcement.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/03/transgender-discrimination-laws_n_7502266.html

[packer-locker-deactivated201703]

The ultimate inexpensive harness. Phi, by Packer Locker. The first harness produced in house. No middle man means a better quality, with little wait time. Get yours now! #ftm #phi #packerlocker #stp #harness #trans #packer

[theftm]

The name is kinda cool. The symbol represents the basic o ring and strap used in the design.

[theftm]

Do we have to start cleaning our cl*toris like a p*nis when it get's bigger? It's really sensitive so I can't really touch it..

It’s a healthy practice to clean/maintain your genitals, especially when they are sloughing off extra skin or have an excess of discharge. Typically when growth occurs you also notice that there is some foreskin that tends to cover part or all of the head, so it’s a good practice when you’re cleaning your body to also pull back the foreskin and do your best to wipe the tissues there clean. If not, this bit of extra skin can provide a hiding place from all the bacteria that like to make your genitals itchy, sore, sad and/or angry.

I know everything can be pretty sensitive since it’s primarily full of nerve endings [not to mention all the extra stimulation it’s probably getting from being larger and rubbing against your legs/underwear], but you want to try to keep bacteria out of places where they can easily become warm and damp so they don’t spread and cause an infection, such as a yeast infection, which can be a huge pain in the dick. If it really comes down to wiping off your bits or putting up with an insatiable itch and pain, it’s probably a better choice to put up with the momentary discomfort that comes along with personal hygiene. That being said, don’t feel like you have to scrub it or clean it until it’s raw and sore! Just a bit of water and gentle rubbing during a shower/bath/over the sink/bathtub  or using wet wipes should be plenty to keep your bits clean and happy. Be wary of using soap since most soaps can throw off your genitals’ pH balance and cause it to dry out or be itchy, which is also no fun.

Hope that answered your question! Let us know if you have any followup questions or comments.

-Flynn

[toysfortransmen]

Great Big Give Away- Ftm & Mtf

To celebrate and support my favorite company, as well as my favorite people (you- my followers), im going to be giving away some awesome trans related goodies.

<b>Grand Prize (1 winner) </b> -$50 gift card to Packer Locker or Lady Locker - 1 Month Surprise Locker Box (both sites have it) - A copy of the trans yellow pages, printed and digital. - A copy of FTM Magazine, or Frock.

<b>Silver Prize (2 winners)</b> -$25 gift card to Packer Locker or Lady Locker - A copy of the trans yellow pages , printed and digital.

<b>Bronze Prize (3 winners) </b> - $10 gift card to Packer Locker or Lady Locker - Mr Limpy, or nail polish kit

<b>How to get more entries- >

- follow me, like, and reblog this post. (Each worth 1 entry, every reblog counts as an additional reblog, max 10 entries per user) - #packerlocker #ladylocker #tftm Say something nice on tumblr, or instagram using any of those hashtags. (1 entry per hashtag, per site, max 6 entries) - have any transition items you dont use any more? Donate them to packer locker or lady locker, so that those things can be given to a someone in need. They will pay for shipping. (5 entries per item donated. )

this means you could get at least 16 entries just for sharing!

Deadline- May 15th

May the odds be ever in your favor!

Links to these great places- Packerlocker.mybigcommerce.com Lady-locker.com Tumblr- ladylocker packerlocker Instagram packerlocker

[ladylocker]

WERE OPEN!!!! - Sale ends Monday

Get 10% off every order!- Code GRANSOPENING

Plus- All orders placed during the sale will receive a free 5 Piece Make Up Tool Travel Set

We have everything you need for your MTF transition. Discreet Shipping. Fast processing. Excellent Customer Service.

START SHOPPING

[theftm]

For our sisters

[packerlocker]

FTM MAGAZINE: BIG  DISCOUNT-

Find us in this months issue. Send us a photo of our ad, get a MAJOR prize. 

[phone]

[email protected]

[theftm]

Heads up guys!

[ladylocker]

Woop. We are now open for business. Check out all out amazing goodies for our ladies!

CHECK OUT OUR SHOP!!!

Theres still plenty more to come!

[packer-locker-deactivated201703]

We decided to surprise you all by opening a tad bit early. We hope you love our new baby as much as we do.=D

[ladylocker]

CLICK HERE to support Lady Locker Prosthetic Line

[packerlocker]

Prosthetics made just for the MTF community | Together we can build the prosthetics of tomorrow. 

Check out our campaign! We are working together with EC Prosthetics to create unique breast forms and vaginal prosthetics for the MTF community

[buzzfeedlgbt]

All The Questions You Had About Chest Binding, But Were Afraid To Ask

[theftm]

Yo! Okay so, my mum scheduled a dress appointment for me for her wedding and it's happening weds. I don't want to go. I'm so scared and I even cried because of the anxiety. If I were to come out my mum would tell everyone. [I live with my grandma] and she'd tell her, I'd possible get kicked out. So coming out isn't an option I guess. :/ Is there a way I can get out of it?

Would it be possible for you to tell her that you would be uncomfortable wearing a dress without coming out to her? I think it is becoming a little more accepted for faab folks to wear not dresses to dress up events in this day and age, so maybe you can just come from that angle without having to out yourself.

Ask if you can wear a nice button up and slacks instead of a dress. If you're part of the ceremony and need to be dressier, ask if you can wear a suit instead. Insist that you would be very uncomfortable wearing a dress and [if it's true for you] that if you have to choose between going to the wedding wearing something other than a dress and not going you choose not to go.

Let her know that you would be miserable if you had to go wearing a dress, and you'd rather be there in something comfortable so that you can enjoy her big day with her. That you don't want to spoil her whole day over something as simple as what you'll be wearing. Things like that.

Hopefully you'll be able to appeal to her better nature and convince her. And who knows, maybe she just didn't even think that you might want to wear something else! The best thing to do is to talk to her about it and go from there.

Good luck!

-Flynn

[theftm]

Hey there. I saw that you posted a contest specifically for TransMen. I'm fairly new to anything other than the L tag, but was curious: Why only for transmen? Why not for queer or non-gender conforming individuals? The main reason I even hesitate to call myself Transgender is because I don't want to label myself as trans (nothing against trans individuals, as I adore you all and you guys/girls are so inspiring to me). It's a personal thing. I am neither male or female, but I am also both.

Hey there! The contest in question was actually posted by Transmen4men and we simply reblogged it. I'm assuming from their page that the reason that it's specifically for transmen is that it's a blog by transmen who are dedicated to helping out other transmen. That being said, while it does say in bold "Must be transgender" as one of the qualifications, it does go on to say that they also accept transmasculine individuals rather than specifically transgender men.

I think their main concern is keeping cisgender folk from entering and taking money and resources away from the transgender and gender non-conforming community. I've heard a few times of cisgender cosplayers who would enter contests like these so that they could get binders and packers for free rather than having to pay for them, and while I'm glad that they are pursuing safe avenues for their craft [as opposed to binding with ace wrap, tape, etc.] I do not approve of them doing so at the expense of a transgender individual who otherwise would not be able to acquire these resources on their own. If you are interested in entering their contest, I do not see a reason why you would be denied since you seem to be within the realm of genderqueerness and interested in at least one of the prizes they're offering. If you're worried, go ahead and shoot them an email at [email protected] with your concerns.

Additionally, this is the FTM blog. Our intended audience is transgender men and transmasculine folks. I personally am genderqueer but medically transitioning. I do not feel that I am a man, nor do I wish to be or to be seen as one, but I do feel comfortable as being seen as masculine, so I'm comfortable with the label of transmasculine even though I am first and foremost a non binary individual. Even so, I still feel 100% that I am welcome in this blog and that it represents things that I am interested in and that I can personally identify with.

That being said, I can understand how some might feel that they aren't being represented and I'd like to hear from you about how we can better represent you! A lot of this stuff can come across as incredibly gendered since it's about transitioning and our societies tend to have ingrained a binary understanding of things relating to the sexes and gender. Feel free to toss more messages with your questions and concerns or interests and things you'd like to see more of either here on the FTM or you can send them to my personal blog.

Thanks for the questions!

-Flynn