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Vaginoplasty Prep & Recovery

We aim to create a welcoming place for our transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming patients. Although all of our PTs have expertise in pelvic floor physical therapy for people with natal vaginas, many also specialize in treating specific concerns associated with neo vaginas pre and post-vaginoplasty.

Whether you’re preparing for surgery, recovering, or experiencing other pelvic floor concerns, our PTs will provide you with expert guidance and unwavering support.

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The Origin Way

Care Created With You In Mind

Asking The Right Questions

Our intake forms include gender, pronouns, and preferred name, so you’ll be respected the minute you walk through the door. There’s also space to share details that will make your visit more comfortable, including issues you don’t want to talk about or things you’d rather type than talk about.

Treatment Focused on Your Goals

Your PT will help you improve mobility, reduce pain, and achieve goals related to exercise, daily activities, or participation in sex and intimacy. Treatment may include:

Breathing and other exercises to prepare for vaginoplasty
Assisting you with your dilator program to maintain the vaginal opening
Helping with scar mobilization and management
Supporting you with knowledge and guidance as you return to sexual activity

Feel Confident in Your Body

Think of your PT as the instruction manual for your new anatomy after a vaginoplasty, as well as your expert guide to healing — which will take time. Recovery from surgery takes about 6 weeks, but it may take several months to feel fully adjusted.

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Common & Treatable

Patients who see a pelvic floor physical therapist both before and after vaginoplasty experience significantly lower rates of pelvic floor dysfunction.

“I feel stuck at my current dilator size and can’t seem to progress.”

“My scars feel hard and are painful to touch.”

“I want to be sexually active, but I’m worried it’s going to hurt.”

Source: Jiang DD, et al. Implementation of a pelvic floor physical therapy program for transgender women undergoing gender-affirming vaginoplasty. Obstet Gynecol. 2019.

Vaginoplasty Prep & Recovery FAQs

What happens during a physical therapy evaluation for vaginoplasty?

A physical therapy evaluation for vaginoplasty involves a thorough history-taking, establishing goals, and building trust. With your consent, a physical therapist will assess your core, posture and functional movements. When you feel ready, they may externally assess your pelvic floor and any scar tissue. With your permission, they may perform an internal assessment by inserting one lubricated finger into the vagina or rectum.

What can a physical therapist do to help me heal after vaginoplasty?

Once cleared by your surgeon, a PT can help you progress your dilator regimen, address muscle tension, restrictions or dysfunction, care for your scar, and provide support and guidance as you return to activities like exercise and sex.

I had my vaginoplasty procedure years ago. Can physical therapy still help me?

Absolutely, physical therapy works to address the pelvic floor muscles and the surrounding structures and tissue that may be affected by a vaginoplasty. Learning to coordinate the pelvic floor is a major component to restoring function and this can be achieved with a trained physical therapist even years after a procedure.

Why would I benefit from seeing a physical therapist before my vaginoplasty?

Research has shown there are significantly lower rates of pelvic floor dysfunction for those seen by a PT pre- and postoperatively compared to those who only see a PT afterwards. By getting started early, you and your PT can address any issues you’re experiencing before surgery so that afterwards, you can focus on recovery.

Can my PT help me with aches and pains unrelated to vaginoplasty?

Pelvic floor physical therapists may be experts at addressing the pelvic floor, but in order to fully support this muscle group, they understand that the rest of your body must be working well, too. This means your physical therapist is fully prepared to address any aches and pains that may seem unrelated to your vaginoplasty.

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