FTM Prosthetics Guide: How Does a Trans Man Get a Penis?

As a Transman, your desire to have a penis is as natural as a kid wanting candy. As a result, FTM gender-affirming options are rife. You can choose non-surgical prosthetics or opt for surgical methods to have your penis.

Both of these options will give you a penis. Packers will provide you with temporary bulge solutions. They can also offer a way to use the men’s bathroom and allow you to have sex. Surgical options such as penile implants, phalloplasty and metoidioplasty will also grant you manliness.

Continue reading this to get insights on how to get a penis as a FTM. You have varied options to choose from for your gender-affirming needs. You matter hence do what matters and get a penis for your pride and sense of self.

Types of FTM Prosthetics

The following are types of FTM Prosthetics to choose from. They include:

Phalloplasty

One type of FTM prosthetic is phalloplasty. In this prosthetic, the surgeon will give you a penis using skin.

Surgical techniques

The following techniques entail a phalloplasty.

One, the skin can come from the flap in your forearm. This technique is called the radial forearm free-flap technique.

Another technique entails lateral thigh phalloplasty. The skin is derived from the anterior thigh to make a penis prosthesis. The skin will be rolled into a tube-like structure.

Other times, scrotoplasty will accompany phalloplasty. This is to give you testicular implants. To prevent instances of fistula risk, the surgeon will perform a hysterectomy or vaginectomy.

Outcomes and recovery expectations

Outcomes and recovery expectations will vary with individuals. Expect side effects such as infection, bleeding, tissue scarring and pain in general.

Other severe complications can range from bladder or rectal injury to loss of sensation and urethral defects. Most patients will recover from the procedure in between 4-6 weeks.

Metoidioplasty

In other instances, you will receive a penis prosthesis using a metoidioplasty. The word, which is derived from Greek culture to mean “towards male genitalia’ uses clitorial to create a penis.

The tissue is typically 1-3 cm. The penile girth is the adult thumb size. You may ask for a urethral opening in the phallus; however, this is optional.

Comparison with phalloplasty

The differences between phalloplasty and metoidioplasty include:

Tissue Origin

While the phalloplasty procedure uses tissue from the forearm or thigh, metoidioplasty uses tissue from the clitoris to create a phallus.

Period

Phalloplasty is a multi-stage procedure. What this means is that it will take you about 1-3 years to have a complete phalloplasty. For metoidioplasty, a few hours is enough for you to have your penis.

Penile size

Phalloplasty will provide you with a typically larger penis compared to a metoidioplasty which offers a smaller penis size for FTM individuals seeking a penis.

Surgery Complexity

Phalloplasty is typically complex and invasive. This is due to the many surgeries required, which gives you a longer recovery time. Metoidioplasty, on the other hand, comes with more straightforward procedures which provide you with a shorter recovery time.

Urethral opening

Both procedures can provide you with a urethral opening to allow passage of urine. Urethral surgery will differ with the procedure being offered.

Suitability and success rates for different patients

Phalloplasty has better outcomes when it comes to completely masculinizing you as a Trans man. Trans men who want to be entirely masculine can go for a hysterectomy and can remove one or both ovaries. Metoidioplasty has a higher success rate when it comes to having a penis due to its simplicity.

Non-Surgical Prosthetics (Packers)

Other times, as a Trans man, you can opt for non-surgical prosthetics to have a penis of your own. One way to do this is to make use of the packer.

What is a Packer?

A packer is a bulge used to create the appearance of a penis in the groin area. They give you a sense of manliness and are worn inside the underwear.

Types of packers

You will find the following different types of packers in the market for FTM individuals:

Soft packers

As their name suggests, they are soft since they are made from porous gels. They create a bulge and can feel denser in your groin region. An example of a soft packer is the limpy small, which is squishy and creates a realistic bulge.

Hard packers

These come in the form of stand-to-pee packers. These will give you the option of having a bulge while also giving you the freedom to pee while standing. They have a built-in funnel which allows you to direct pees to the packer as you use the bathroom.

3 in 1 packers (pack, pee, play)

You can also have a penile by using the 3 1 packers, which comes with three options. You can choose to have a penile bulge or pee with the packer, and it can also be used for sex purposes. The three-in-one packer may not feel too comfortable and realistic as a form of fake penis.

How packers can help trans men achieve a more masculine appearance without surgery?

When looking for a masculine appearance down there, AKA the bulge, packers are the best.

Natural bulge

Packers will give you the natural bulge in your underwear. This translates to a ‘junk’ in your groin region. You can now dress as a masculine Transman.

Alleviation of Gender Dysphoria

Nothing will give you the feeling of masculine appearance than a packer that mitigates your gender dysphoria. When you feel your groin region matches your male anatomy, you can walk with pride, knowing you are masculine enough.

Tips for choosing and using packers

It would help if you had a few tricks up your sleeve in selecting the suitable packer. Go for:

Correct size

You want a packer that fits comfortably. Head to Transguy Supply and find the correct packer size. They have sizes ranging from small, conservative, moderate, large, and extra-large.

Material

Packers are made from simple materials such as DIY socks. However, other products offer packers made from elastomer or thermal, as seen with soft packers. Others are made from silicone such as silicone. Always ensure that you read the instructions to prevent allergic reactions to your packer.

Functionality and Use

Some Trans men want packers to pack and have a masculine bulge. In this case, you will opt for soft packers. If you’re going to pee as a man or engage in sexual acts later, the 3 1 packer will come in handy.

Penile Implants and Surgical Prostheses

You can also opt for penile implants and surgical prostheses to have a phallus.

Internal Erectile Prosthesis Explanation

Penile implants are internal devices that you are surgically given to help you have an erection as a Trans man. They are commonly used by men who have erectile dysfunction. Transmen can benefit from penile implants through surgery.

Types of implants

There are two types of penile implants:

Inflatable

Inflatable penile implants have two central systems: a reservoir and a pumping system. The pump will push fluid from the reservoir to the cylinder. This process is what causes you an erection. The more you pump, the more you harden your erection.

Malleable prosthetics

These are made from silicone rods, which can bend when pressure is applied. These do not require any form of pumping. As a result, when you extend the rods, you mimic an erection.

Advantages

You may like penile implants for the following merits.

They are easy to use

For the inflatable type, all you have to do is press the pump in the scrotum. For the malleable prosthetics, all you have to do is press onto the silicone rods to create an erection.

Gender Affirming care

Penile implants are a form of gender-affirming care for Trans men. Having a penile implant can be a good relief from the gender dysphoria that you may face. This can also increase your self-esteem.

They are safe

Most penile implant procedures are safe. There is a low risk of side effects and complications.

Outpatient procedure

Penile implant surgeries typically take less time to perform. One to two hours is enough for you to go back home.

Concerns and considerations for internal implants

Watch out for the following concerns and considerations for internal implants:

Repeated surgeries

Typical implants can last up to twenty years. After this, you will need to head to your surgeon to revise it and replace it.

No bigger penis

Penile implants will not make your penis more significant than it was before surgery. Also, the penis head (glans) may not harden as the rod does not extend to the penile head. This can make you feel ‘small’

Post-Surgery Recovery and Challenges

Post-surgery and recovery and challenges should be expected with penile implants.

Recovery Process

You will recover from your penile implant surgery, which will last for 4-8 weeks. This is different for everyone. These include:

Pain

You will feel pain, soreness and discomfort up to three weeks after your penile implant surgery. You can use ice packs to alleviate pain. The pain medications recommended by your healthcare provider will range from Advil to Tylenol. Always seek counsel from your healthcare personnel before you purchase any medication.

Wound Support

Since you will not be having any bandages on your incision site, you may leak fluid. You may use underwear to support your new penis until it heals.

Keep the wound as dry as possible until healed. This may range from 4-6 weeks.

Hygiene

You are advised to avoid showers for the first 48 hours after surgery. Avoid rubbing the wound area or scrubbing it.

The wound stitches should dissolve in about four weeks. Do not cut or remove them for any reason.

Movement

You are advised to limit movement after your penile implant as a Transman. Avoid lifting heavy weights to avoid straining the wound.

Sexual Activity

Avoid sexual activity for the six weeks after your surgery. Unless your recovery is going well, your healthcare provider will notify you when to engage in sexual activity.

Common complications and how to address them

Complications are rare with penile implants. The goal is to contact your healthcare provider if no improvement suffices.

Body effects Complications

If you notice effects such as nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, contact your healthcare provider.

Sore wounds

If your wound does not seem to heal and gets more sore as days go by, contact your caregiver. Also, redness that does not dwindle should be inspected by a professional.

Abnormal discharge and bleeding

Excess bleeding or clear discharge from the wound site could indicate a complication. Contact your healthcare provider in such a case.

Sexual Function and Prosthetics

Prosthetics can be a positive for your sexual life.

How prosthetics impact sexual function after surgery

You are likely to experience:

Good erection

You are likely to have the hard-on that you have always wanted. This will positively affect your sex life with your partner.

Sexual satisfaction

A functional penile implant will leave you feeling satisfied with your sex life. Additionally, your partner may also feel confident due to your penile implant.

Confidence

The confidence that comes from having a penile implant and being able to have an erection will increase your confidence when getting intimate. As a result, your sexual prowess will also improve.

Sex after FTM prosthetics: what to expect

Based on your recovery trajectory, your healthcare provider will inform you when it is safe to have sex or masturbate. The goal is to avoid injury to your wound.

Issues around fertility, contraception and STIs

Contraception

Always use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy. Condoms as barrier methods or other invasive contraceptives will help you avoid unwanted pregnancy.

STIs

Penile implants do not make you immune to sexually transmitted infections. Always use a barrier method such as a condom to prevent STIs. Additionally, always screen yourself and your partner regularly if you are sexually active.

Fertility

A penile implant is an irreversible procedure. As a FTM prosthetic, you can still always get pregnant as a Transman. Always talk to your healthcare provider about fertility options before the surgery.

Long-Term Considerations

Consider the following long-term considerations for surgical prosthetics

Maintaining Surgical Prosthetics

Consider the following long-term considerations when maintaining your surgical prosthetics.

Long-term care and maintenance of FTM prosthetics

Care for your FTM prosthetics by

Routine checkups

Have routine checkups to ensure your FTM prosthetic is working effectively. Follow-ups are essential to ensure that you are also coping well with the new changes in your body as a Trans man. For instance your peeing, and wound healing will be monitored.

Replacement timelines and potential issues

If your FTM prosthetics are worn out, replacement may be necessary. Also, repeated surgery may be done if there are complications which affect your prosthetic penile use.

Maintaining Non-Surgical Prosthetics

Care for your Packers by:

Care and Cleaning

Wash your packer in mild soap and water. While most packers will come with brand instructions for cleaning, transmen should always ensure that packers are cleaned after each use.

Drying

The packer should dry and store it in a cool place. Air-dry your packer to avoid mold growth. Use cornstarch to dry your packer further.

Storage

Use your packer pouch with a zip to store your packer.

Best practices for long-term use of non-surgical prosthetics.

Lube

Use a water-based lube during sex. This prevents wear and tear during sexual encounters. Lube also ensures you have a fulfilling experience with your packer.

Cleaning after each wear.

Always clean your packer after every wearing. This is to ensure its longevity and functionality.

Storage

Avoid storing your packer in places where it may encounter scratches or damage.

Future Innovations

The following emerging technologies in FTM prosthetic surgeries will be revolutionary in the near future.

Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies such as Transgender-specific penile prostheses are also underway. This technology is meant to ensure that the implant is made more secure by attaching it to the public bone.

Cadaveric penile transplantation is also an emerging technology for FTM individuals suffering from penile tissue loss.

Research to create pumpless and reservoir-free devices is on the way. For instance, magnetically-induced non-hydraulic shape memory alloys have been tested to improve FTM prosthetic durability.

Innovations in non-surgical prosthetic devices for more realistic experiences.

Secure Harness

Packers have also been improved to include pym harness boxers and briefs for packers. Others include a harness to secure the packer in place during sexual practice.

Smart Prosthetics with Sensor Technology

These include prosthetics that possess muscular and nerve signals. It will give you smoother and more natural movements that you will feel intuitively.

Mobile Applications

Mobile apps as incoming innovations for your packer will help you monitor performance and adjust it according to environmental changes. You will use Bluetooth and wireless technology to increase your user experience.

More user-friendly materials

Most packers are made from materials such as silicone, thermal, or elastomer. New technology will allow you to use lightweight and durable materials for your packers. These include carbon and thermoplastics.

Conclusion

Both surgical and non-surgical FTM prosthetics will help FTM individuals in gender affirmation. Packers are affordable and easy to use. Penile implants and surgeries provide long-term gender-affirming care on what it means to have a penis. Always consult your healthcare provider on the options that suit you best.

These technologies are brought to you to enhance your quality of life by reducing gender dysphoria, boosting your self-esteem and giving you a fulfilling sex experience. You matter, and how you feel about your body issues, so do what needs to be done.