I’ll try to keep this PG-13

[Vanessa Michelle]

I am 48 years old, MTF, started HRT almost exactly 2 months ago.
OK, here comes out of the spicy part. Close your eyes kids! About two weeks ago I noticed a drastic decrease in my sex drive, (which was never high to begin with) and I can no longer get fully erect. To get so at all requires a lot of effort. Is this normal this early? I still have not determined exactly what my plans for transition are, so this makes me slightly concerned if I will ever be able to get an erection again should I choose to not get bottom surgery. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?

[Carolyn Marie]

When it comes to HRT effects, almost anything can be considered a normal part of the spectrum.  Everyone is different, and almost anything is possible.  So yes, two months is a possible timeline for reduced libido.  Over time, it is likely your libido will diminish further.  I am not certain if there is a point of no return, but that is possible, too.  But if you stopped HRT now, it probably would return to pre-HRT levels.

 

You place UR bets, and you takes UR chances in the HRT game.

[Charlize]

I can't remember my last erection.  Oddly it is a non issue at this point.  That doesn't ever seem to bother or concern me.  

As to your transition plans, surgery isn't a requirement for transition. 

Each of us has our own journey.  You might want to speak to your therapist about this issue.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[MirandaB]

It was pretty quick for me, maybe not that quick, that erections weren't quite what they used to be and went away fast, I was able to have some very satisfying experiences that had little or nothing to do with erections, if that's PG-13 enough to be posted. 

[awkward-yet-sweet]

I'm not MtF, but my friend is.  She and I have had some very open discussions on the topic.  She's had HRT for years, but she's non-op by choice so her equipment is original.  Her libido is average, but aspects of her anatomy don't always function and are not of an "adult" size.  And the expected results of stimulation are difficult to achieve, and sometimes frustratingly impossible.  Combined with a lack of an intimate partner, it bothers her. 

 

I'm AFAB, intersex, and non-op...the only thing I've done was use a mild T cream for some physical effects.  Even with my minor prescription, I've had the (expected) exact opposite result as my friend.  Increased libido, and...increased everything else.  Hopefully I've phrased this delicately enough to be PG13, but descriptive enough that you get the idea. 

[Hcgreyson]

I’m starting soon.  Both my girlfriend and I were curious about this.  I’m less concerned, but I do want to keep her happy.  Has anyone tried viagra or something similar as a work around and if so how has that worked out?

[MaybeRob]

MTF hormone therapy and body changes: Expectations and more (medicalnewstoday.com)

 

This has a reference to Viagra. Not familiar with the source. Common opinion with hormone treatments 

are effects are varied between individuals. So do your research carefully.

 

Hugs

 

MaybeRob

[Cindy Lee]

On 7/22/2023 at 8:37 AM, Charlize said:

Each of us has our own journey.

My journey began in 78 when I had a vasectomy. Much later I was diagnosed with secondary hypogonadism of course things had shrunk especially the testicles. My HRT therapist told me things would get smaller which was fine by me and am starting my third month HRt. I can't remember the last time I had an erection and at this point I don't think that I care.

Love,

Cindy Lee

[Cheyenne skye]

I've read that sometimes doctors will prescribe a low dose of testosterone to increase libido in post op trans women. So maybe your T level is too low. Ask your PCP to check your levels. They might need to adjust your HRT dosages if you still want functional oem equipment. 

[AllieJ]

1 hour ago, Cheyenne skye said:

I've read that sometimes doctors will prescribe a low dose of testosterone to increase libido in post op trans women. So maybe your T level is too low. Ask your PCP to check your levels. They might need to adjust your HRT dosages if you still want functional oem equipment. 

 

Cheyenne, this is often the case with pre-op trans women too! Actually, decades before I commenced HRT, my doctor diagnosed me with hypogonadism and recommended ED drugs and T supplements. For me, taking T would have been simply way too dysphoric, so I simply couldn't, and Viagra just didn't work. For various reasons, some trans people need to remain functional, and should consult their hormone doctor for treatment options. I was happy to let things atrophy and disappear inside, though it did lead to complications with peeing.

 

Hugs,

 

Allie

[Betty K]

Hi @Vanessa Michelle, I can relate. I have been on HRT for over 18 months now and have repeatedly struggled with a much-reduced sex drive. In my case it wasn’t so much the lack of erections that worried me, but the lack of any interest in sex at all. For me, the cause of this was t-blockers. Having now tried three common blockers at various doses (spironolactone, cyproterone, and bicalutamide) I have finally found the solution: a reduced dose of spiro and an increased dose of estradiol. This puts my hormone levels just where I want them but still leaves me a healthy, but not overwhelming, interest in sex. 
 

 

[blackpanther]

When I first decided to transition naturally I began HRT. All went well for 6 months then I had to several serious cardiac episodes where upon my doctor stopped my HRT permanently. I was devastated. As such I have not been able to complete physical bottom transition. The loss of the ability to have an erection was a major source of happiness.  Since my early teens I hated having one from the first time. Despite not being on HRT for several decades they happily have not returned. That said my partner and I approach what I have just as a cis-female approaches her clit. The orgasms that result are amazing full body ecstasy experiences. Way beyond anything I ever experienced with erections. I don't know if my experiences are typical. At least in my case there is life after erections. An mazing wonderful life!