SRS, Hormones and Libido.

[Guest apostate79]

Orgasms are also very important to me, and one of my concerns is the fact that I hear that many post-op women are unable to ever achieve orgasm again. have never hated my own genitals- I have read about most FTM's who have no intention of getting "bottom" surgery, and keep their female genitalia, and I feel like I can somehow relate. Even though I feel that my sexuality already has a feminine manner of expression, I still enjoy using my male genitals, it gives me pleasure and also gives other girls pleasure, although I would possibly not miss it if I were to eventually undergo SRS and could have a working vagina. Another fear I have is the knowledge that HRT may decrease my libido, and I wouldn't want to end up frigid. I would like to hear from most of the women here, if they are still able to get as much enjoyment from sex as before transition?

[Guest Miss_Construe]

Um... I think many of the women have enough dysphoria that their information may be of little use to you.

For the most part the libido drops and function is reduced or eliminated. Arousal triggers become much more female patterned.

April

[Guest ranse]

I'm not speaking for all ... just want to clarify.

I am going the opposite direction: FTM. I'm not opting out of bottom surgery because I am happy with the female parts down below. Far from it. The reason I don't want bottom surgery is that, for the most part, the technology at this point yields pretty unsatisfactory results in my opinion. I don't want something that doesn't look or function realistically. I'd rather opt out until there is a chance of replicating the aesthetics and functions of male genitalia. It probably won't happen in my lifetime.

[Guest apostate79]

The reason I don't want bottom surgery is that, for the most part, the technology at this point yields pretty unsatisfactory results in my opinion. I don't want something that doesn't look or function realistically. I'd rather opt out until there is a chance of replicating the aesthetics and functions of male genitalia.

Although my genital dysphoria may not be as great as your own, I still feel like I can relate.

[Guest Maria_B]

I've heard many girls say they were very happy with their results. Reputable surgeon + taking care of yourself for healing + proper after surgery care (and dedication on your part) gives you a pretty good chance at what you want.

[Guest Svenna]

Apostate,

I can't answer your question directly, as I am pre-ho and pre-op, but here is a little food for thought...

I recently saw a show on TV called 'Curiosity' and it had an episode on the female brain. They hooked up a woman to a bunch of sensors and put here in an imaging machine where she brought herself to orgasm manually as the computer tracked her brain functions. It took her about 12 minutes to reach orgasm (even with all the distractions) and the imaging equipment caught the entire event. Then, they did the same thing again, but this time, she didn't touch herself at all and just 'thought' her way to an orgasm. This took over half an hour, but her brain reacted orgasm exactly as if she had been touching herself physically, and the she felt just as much pleasure as she did from the first orgasm...

So, it turns out, a woman's orgasm isn't reliant on what stimulation she gets to/from her genitalia, but instead, it seems to be dependent on her ability to 'let go and let it flow' from inside her head...

I am a highly-orgasmic individual myself, and the idea of losing this source of joy is frightening to me, too...I understand your concern! I've had female-type multi-orgasmic experiences ever since I was a young teenager and I sure would love to have this experience with a vagina, oh yes indeedy!!!

This newer evidence suggests that my/our concerns may be over nothing...

But, I too, would love to hear 'rave reviews' from post-ops to allay whatever fears I may still harbor...

For me, this is a very good question...

Thanks for asking, Svenna

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

31 months on HRT........

Libido down.....

Function minimal to gone....

Still able to have wonderful sensations in a different sort of way that are very pleasurable!

That's all I'm sayin'......

Dee Jay

[Guest Lauren~]

On spiro and estrogen only after about 3-months I had no libido to speak of. I went of HRT for about a week. I know I made a mistake and need to get back on it. My libido had very little to do with my decision process, it's not my primary concern right now.

Melissa 67

[Guest apostate79]

Just to clarify, I am aware that one of the ultimate effects of estrogen is shrinkage and eventual destruction of functionality, but I guess my main concern is the possible decline of libido, and loss of any ability to get any kind of pleasure. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge, it has been very helpful for me!

[Guest Leah1026]

Orgasms are also very important to me, and one of my concerns is the fact that I hear that many post-op women are unable to ever achieve orgasm again.

<snip>

Another fear I have is the knowledge that HRT may decrease my libido, and I wouldn't want to end up frigid. I would like to hear from most of the women here, if they are still able to get as much enjoyment from sex as before transition?

Who have you been talking to? I've known hundreds of folks online and in 3D and I think I've only heard like two people say they couldn't orgasm after SRS. I think to maximize chances of a succesful outcome people should go to one of the MAJOR surgeons. Think one of the big 3 or 4.

Yes, there is usually a decrease in libido, but guess what? Most of us welcome that. For me it was a great relief to be free of T monster.

As far as my personal sex experience:

Pre-op: Enjoyment? What's that? It never felt right. It was a chore.

Post-op: It feels right.

[Guest Leah1026]

I am a highly-orgasmic individual myself, and the idea of losing this source of joy is frightening to me, too...

Forgot to mention in my earlier post:

My body dysphoria was such that I would have surgery even if it meant no orgasms after. I HATED seeing myself in the bathroom mirror after getting out of the shower before SRS. I avoided the mirror as much as possible. That dysphoria is GONE.

From what little I've read of your posts you sound like a non-op person to me. Only do what you need.

I also forgot to mention that hormones have LOTS of positive effects. Before HRT a little black rain cloud had followed me since about age 12. Once I started HRT that cloud vanished. Almost overnight I became a glass is half-full person. HRT also subtly affects ALL your senses. I sincerely believ men and women experience the world differently and hormones are a big part of the reason why. And we haven't even discussed the physical effects...

[Guest Svenna]

I am a highly-orgasmic individual myself, and the idea of losing this source of joy is frightening to me, too...

Forgot to mention in my earlier post:

From what little I've read of your posts you sound like a non-op person to me.

Leah,

Could you please elaborate on your statement, I am curious as to what makes you think this...

TIA...Svenna

[Guest Leah1026]

Leah,

Could you please elaborate on your statement, I am curious as to what makes you think this...

Oops! I seem to have combined some of your thoughts and someone else's and came to an erroneous conclusion.

My apologies.

[Guest Svenna]

Leah,

Could you please elaborate on your statement, I am curious as to what makes you think this...

Oops! I seem to have combined some of your thoughts and someone else's and came to an erroneous conclusion.

My apologies.

No problem, I am open to any substantive alternate opinions. I really do want/need to be sure before the 'snip' 'snip' 'snipping' begins, seems only prudent! lol!!

Thanks for clarifying...Svenna